The Resilient Spirit of the Voice of IRONMAN, Mike Reilly

Gut Checks

Experience the resonance of achievement through the voice of a legend; Mike Reilley's iconic "You are an Ironman" has echoed at finish lines worldwide, stirring the hearts of thousands. Our conversation with Mike takes us on a journey through his extensive career as an announcer, where his voice has become a symbol of achievement in the endurance sports community. From his start in the 70s to his 33-year tenure at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, Mike shares the origins of his announcing career, his choice to take up the microphone over competing, and his unwavering dedication to the sport.

The stories of triumph over adversity don't end there. We shine a light on the inspiring tale of Brian Boyle, whose harrowing recovery from a life-threatening accident led to his remarkable Ironman achievements, a testament to the incredible resilience embodied by athletes in this community. The episode also serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proactive health testing – a message underscored by the mention of an Ironman competitor's own health scare. Mike's connection with fans and his personal touches on each copy of his book exemplify the intimate bonds within the Ironman world. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and encouraged to listen to your body as much as you listen to the stories that connect us all.

About the Guest:

Mike has done on site announcing and television for Running and Triathlon events worldwide since the late 70’s, this has placed a microphone in his hands at over 1000 endurance events. He is best known as the “Voice of IRONMAN” and he has called IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii for 33 years. Mike is the only person who has been inducted into the IRONMAN Hall of Fame (2011), the Running USA Hall of Fame (2017), and the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame (2018).

Mike has called 214 Ironmans worldwide to his famous and heartwarming phrase “You Are an IRONMAN!” Over a Half a Million triathletes worldwide have heard those words. Some say they are the greatest four words in sports.

Mike’s endurance on IRONMAN day is legendary. Staring at 5:00 am welcoming athletes into transition and then putting them in the water. His day ends 19 hours later and his energy and enthusiasm at midnight is as great as it was for the overall champions much earlier in the day.

He and his wife Rose, who has run a marathon, reside in Poway, California. Daughter Erin is Mom of grandsons Graham and Leo, she is a Boston Marathon Finisher and her husband Andrew is an IRONMAN finisher. Son Andy owns Race Place event publication and Eventgrow.com based in Southern California, he is a 2013 IRONMAN Arizona finisher.

About Paul:

To learn more about Paul and the Iron Dad Book, head on over to https://irondadbook.com.

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