AthleteOnFire

Our guest started eating vegetarian and ended up qualifying for the Boston Marathon. That is just where his journey starts. The founder of NoMeatAthlete.com has great insights on everything from the power of deliberate practice to a simple answer on why you should try eating a vegetarian diet. There are little nuggets throughout this whole show that will at the very least entertain you for 45 minutes and at best, inspire you to make a change or two. Enjoy!

In this episode our guest takes us on his journey as a young athlete who was inspired by his amazing dad at 11 years old to start running and writing. His success as an author and authority on endurance sports is shared in this candid interview that will inspire you to do something you love!

In this episode our guest shares her story about her transition from the corporate world to the life that she "feels like the luckiest person in the world" living. She is a runner, coach, speaker, and she dives into all of on this episode.

In this episode our guest takes us from his early days growing up in a small town in Nebraska and how that town inspires and supports him. He goes on to talk about his football days at Nebraska, playing bass guitar, his crazy unique degree and oh yeah, his gold medal in the Vancouver Olympics. You are going to enjoy the journey as much I did interviewing him.   In this show learn about: His small town Nebraskan childhood His career stats for the Nebraska Cornhuskers How much he squats and power cleans, wow! How his passion for guitar and bobsled parallel Our first electrical engineering/astrophysics conversation on AOF How fellow Olympian Billy Demong inspired him How he mentally prepares before competition How he trains for and prevents injury in the off season A day in the life of Curt Success Habit: Imagery and visual repetition- Another great take on visualization. Quote on Fire: “It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." Books on Fire: Recommendations from Curt The Sport's Gene   Connect with Curt Tomasevicz: Twitter: @ctomasevicz Curt's Website Facebook Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Curt’s interview: Make A Wish Foundation- Curt's charity of choice, he tells about an experience with the charity. Shelby, NE- We said we would give a shout out to his small town! “My hometown has always been a huge inspiration for me.” >

In this episode our guest takes us from his early days playing football in Texas all the way up to the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills and the CFL. He goes on to share probably the quickest introduction to any sport when he started his bobsled career and he gives us some great insight on how the NFL has prepared him for where he is today!   In this show learn about: His early football days in Texas and record breaking collegiate career How Jerry Rice influenced him How his NFL and CFL experience prepared him for high level competition His unique story about his first ever bobsled run His take on maximizing every opportunity Learn about his company and how he leads other athletes What Olympic Training Center strength record he broke this year What his workouts are like Johnny breaks down NFL receivers “ It's tough to see some of your teammates and friends not get their name called.” Success Habit: Preparation- "I can't relate to your question on what it's like to not be prepared because it's never happened in my athletic career." That says it all. He also talks about doing the "small things" Quote on Fire: “Do not let daily routine be confused with commitment" “Yes, everyone is working hard but are you recovering hard?” Books on Fire: Recommendations from Johnny Love Does Unbroken   Connect with Johnny Quinn: Twitter: @johnnyquinnusa www.johnnyquinnusa.com- Learn more about him and donate to grab an autographed bobsled photo! The Athlete Watch- Johnny's small business that focuses on helping student athletes. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Johnny’s interview: Olympic Site- You can learn about Johnny and the rest of Team USA here. Jimmy V Speech- We mentioned this during the show. Jerry Rice's workouts- We talked about his work ethic. He was amazing. “When you lay it on the line for your teammates and your country, it really gets your emotions stirring.” Fitness on Fire: Johnny Quinn Johnny shares a workout challenge for all of you wannabe bobsledders and power athletes. Have fun!

In this episode our guest takes us on his journey to one of the fastest sports in the world, luge. He tells us how he chose luge over bobsled and just how unique a sport luge is to train for. Added to the mix is his insatiable appetite for speed and adventure and you are going to learn a bunch from this inspiring young athlete! In this show learn about: How he got started in luge His description of Latvia over the last 11 years How fast you can go on the track How many Gs you can pull on the track and what that feels like What his parents did that influences his adventurous spirit How he uses visulization in competition How he compares his sport to motorcycling What his workouts are like What makes him laugh, think, and cry “ My only superstition is to not be superstitious.” Success Habit: Visualization- He goes into detail how he makes it work for him. Quote on Fire: “Dream as if you will live forever, live as if you will die today.” James Dean “I'd rather be known for my contributions then my results.” Books on Fire: Gang Leader For A Day Connect with Chris Mazdzer: Twitter: @mazdzer Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Chris’s interview: Olympic Site- You can learn about Chris and the rest of Team USA here. Jimmy V Speech- We mentioned this during the show. FIL- International governing body for Luge. “Visualization gets your body ready for the sensations they are about to feel.” Fitness on Fire Chris has a challenge for you all to try out next time you workout, ideally while you listen to his show.

In this episode our guest takes us on a life long journey with the sport he loves. He comes from a long line of speed skaters and shares his passion with all of us from some of his brutal workouts to what kind of focus it takes to see through a plan for four years. In this show learn about: What age he started speed skating How he grandpa AND dad found love on the ice What his max and average speed is on the ice How big around his quads are Why he was rockin’ the skinny jeans before they were cool About his training schedule How missing the Vancouver Olympics affected him How he mentally divides the race How much detail was put into his competing uniform “ I keep doing it for the love of the sport and the strive every day to be better than the last.” Success Habit: Consistency- He delves into what 4 years of focus looks like. Quote on Fire: “Talent means nothing.” “If you think you can do something, you probably can.” Books on Fire: The System Connect with Pat Meek: www.patrickmeek.com Twitter: @patjmeek Facebook: @patjmeek “Speedskating is the most beautiful sport when it’s done right.” Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Patricks’s interview: Olympic Site- You can learn about Pat and the rest of Team USA here. “The toughest workouts are puke and rally Tuesday’s.” Fitness on Fire Patrick has a challenge for you all to try out next time you run, ideally while you listen to his show.

In this episode our guest takes us on his journey as someone who has truly lived and has the stories to show for it. From early rough and tumble days on the farm to jumping out of planes in the military, drug addiction to conquering some of the world’s toughest events in one year. Joe Decker lays it all out in this inspiring session of Athlete on Fire. In this show learn about: His hardcore childhood and how it shaped him How his life almost ended to addiction in New Orleans How he traded one addiction for another What decision he made at 30 to change his life What amazing feat inspired him at Badwater 135 Why losing is good for you How far ahead he visualizes for an event How his clients have inspired him “I’m pretty weird across the board.” Success Habit: Visualization- Like many Athletes on Fire he delves into how he visualizes as much as 6 months away from an event. Quote on Fire: “Don’t think, just fuckin do, become robotic.” “I’m definitely not normal.” Book on Fire: Confederacy of Dunces Rabbit Run “I can shut pain off” Connect with Joe Decker: www.gutcheckfitness.com Twitter: @gutcheckfitness Facebook: @joedecker Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Joe’s interview: Badwater 135- He talks about an amazingly inspiring moment here. Barkley 100 - Read about the 15 finishers EVER, here. Chris Moon- The subject of his moment at Badwater. “I was sloppin’ hogs, weedin’ beans, buckin’ bales” Other events mentioned: Leadville 100 JFK 50 The Suck Raid Gauloises Fitness on Fire Joe has a challenge for you all to try out next time you run, ideally while you listen to his show.

In this episode our guest takes us from his "suburban hell" to his life as an author and ultra runner amongst many other things... In this show learn about: How many miles he rode to hang with his buddies as a kid How suburban hell helped him decide to make a big change How powerful the stories of other runners have affected him The importance of self monitoring The unprecedented "douche" quiz Superstition as self fulfilling prophecy Jason's take on bragging athletes The importance of leaving something for the future Why his wife inspires him Whose book inspired him to write Why he wrote his last book about Ultra Running Success Habit: Routine over superstition. Quote on Fire: "What works for one person may not work for another.” Book on Fire: The 4-Hour Workweek The Art of Non-conformity Connect with Jason Robillard: http://barefootrunninguniversity.com/ Twitter: @barefootjason Facebook: @robillardj Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Jason Robillard’s interview: Never Wipe Your Ass With a Squirrel- His Ultra Running resource book. Born to Run- Mentions during the show, great running story about Tarahumara in Mexico. Fitness on Fire: As a runner Jason has a great trail running challenge for you all to try out next time you run, ideally while you listen to his show.

In this episode our guest takes us on his journey as an ultra endurance runner. His energy is contagious and you’ll be surprised to find out how he really feels about running! You gotta check out this video if you are on the fence about Richard!   In this show learn about: How many marathons he has run. Why he blames Australia for his running addiction 5330 Km trail he ran across Australia His early days of pyromania That he actually doesn’t like running The farmer that pulled a gun on him His amazing description of New Zealand trails His take on living in the moment His hilarious Crocodile story Thoughts on Kanye West and boldness The best take on why legacy is important to date Success Habit: Has a hard time pinning it down but coffee ends up as the winner. Talks about how it’s tough to stay motivated like everyone else in the world. Quote on Fire: "Ordinary is my enemy.” Connect with Richard Bowles: http://www.richardbowles.com.au/ Twitter: @ultrarunnerrich Facebook: @ultrarunnerrichard YouTube Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Richard Bowles’s interview: Mt Sinabung- The active Sumatran volcano he mentions in the show. Bi-Centennial Trail- The trail he has run. Fitness on Fire: Richard takes a different direction and has a challenge for you all to try out next time you run, ideally while you listen to his show.

In this episode learn how persistence has paid off and how failing is just part of the sport he made his life. Tommy Watkins and I have a pretty laid back talk about his career, what made him cry, and who is inspiring him right now! Oh and did I mention he signed his own booty about 500 times. Enjoy! In this show learn about: How many years he spent in the minors before getting his call up to the Majors His coaching style with the Minnesota Twins Minor League team Who inspires him now Why he has the most famous a$$ in the world Who his locker was next to when he got called up How to deal with failing 70% of the time Quiz on Fire: He played for the Twins so does he know anything about REAL twins? Quote on Fire: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phillipians 4:13 “Find greatness within.” Book on Fire: The Last Hero Connect with Tommy: Twitter: @tommywatkins Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Tommy Watkin's interview: Minnesota Twins- The organization he has been with his whole career. Muhammad Ali Center - Mentioned as an inspiring place on the show. Fitness on Fire I interviewed Tommy before the Fitness on Fire concept was born. Don’t worry though, we will have baseball specific training in the future.

In this episode learn how one fateful training ride changed the life of our guest forever. One day, a healthy competitive cyclist and the next a paraplegic, Trish Downing shares her amazing story and how she has gone on to do some truly amazing things!   In this show learn about: The accident that changed Trish’s life How table tennis and the 96 Olympics inspired her Which “power words” she uses during competition Learn about her 2010 Ironman experience How she is so much more mentally tough now How she had to relearn EVERYTHING during her rehab What advice she gives other disabled athletes Probably the best advice ever for 15 year olds Quiz on Fire: Triathlon, three stooges, why not Success Habit: Visualization and meditation- Another athlete who uses these tools for competing Quote on Fire: “Believe you can.” Book on Fire: Cycle of Hope Connect with Trish: Website Twitter: @redefiningable Facebook: @redefiningable Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Trish Downing's interview: Ironman- Official site of Ironman Triathlon. Trish was the first paraplegic to complete the event. Camp Discovery- Her inspiring camp. Craig Hospital- The amazing hospital she rehabbed after her injury. Fitness on Fire Trish takes a different direction and has a challenge/workout for you all to try out, ideally while you listen to his show. And don’t worry, we have a less intimidating version so anyone can get out there and get moving!

Master Lee shares his inspiring story of coming to the states and picking up the sport he won a Bronze in the 1988 Olympics. He is funny and passionate and has some great advice for parents, athletes, and everyone in between!   In this show learn about: How Master Lee tore his PCL right before Olympic trials, and made it. The difference between visualization and meditation Why he is the Peyton Manning of Taekwondo Why his legacy is important, but not as an athlete Why he tippy toes on competition days He gives parents advice “Don’t be a yuppy parent” What famous NFL coach went to his high school What gave him goosebumps during the show Quiz on Fire: He’s a Taekwondo Master, why not quiz him on neck ties? Don’t worry, I did. Success Habit: Visualization- Master Lee dives into this in detail. Quote on Fire: “Attack this day with enthusiasm this world has never seen.” Book on Fire: West Point Way of Leadership What To Say When You Talk To Yourself,/li> Connect with Master Han: Website: Han Won Lee Academy Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Master Lee’s interview: Derrick Redmond Inspiring Olympic Moment Fitness on Fire Master Lee has a great workout for you all to try out, ideally while you listen to his show. And don’t worry, we have a less intimidating version so anyone can get out there and get moving!

As an adventurer and ultra runner our next guest has a story of survival from the the unlikeliest of foes and great stories of Ultra running up volcanoes and in other amazing locales. He’s an inspiring man and his passion carries the show. Enjoy! In this show learn about: What a Masters athlete is How he spent his youth by the ocean How a barefoot kid in Nicaragua inspired Christian How he kept cool during the Keys 100 How he got a paralyzed diaphragm How he holds himself accountable to the world Who inspires him Quiz on Fire: Yes, we quiz Christian on amoeba’s. Quote on Fire: “Pain is inevitable, suffering is a choice.” “Live for a living.” Connect with Christian: Websites: www.run100miles.com www.obstacleracingmedia.com Facebook: @christianG Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Christian’s interview: Keys100 - Ultra in the Florida Keys Fuego y Agua - Crazy ultra in Nicaragua KidsBiology.com - Used for the amoeba interview. Cool site. Mountain Mist 50k The Stick - Tool for loosening up before his runs. Fitness on Fire Christian has a great workout for you all to try out, ideally while you listen to his show. And don’t worry, we have a less intimidating version so anyone can get out there and get moving!  

In this show learn about: Modern Pentathlon, what is it? How the US Boxing team inspired her. How hunting (yes hunting) made her a better athlete. How to prevent overtraining. Where in the world the sport has taken her. Her favorite inspiring book(by winter Olympian) Who is inspiring Sammy today. Quiz on Fire: Find out how Sammy did on our famous Sammy's quiz. Crazy Schedule: Sammy gets up early and doesn’t stop. Learn how intense training for 5 disciplines can be with this future Olympian Quote on Fire: “Determination is the strength you achieve after failure.” “The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.” Book on Fire: Zero Regrets: Apollo Ohno Connect with Samantha: Website: www.samanthakusa.com Twitter: @SamanthaAUSA Facebook: @SamanthaAchterberg Instagram: @SamanthaAUSA Athlete on Fire resources inspired by Sammy’s interview: www.teamusa.com Fitness on Fire Sammy has a great workout for you all to try out, ideally while you listen to this show. And don’t worry, we have a less intimidating version so anyone can get out there and get moving!