Mission Kona Podcast

Mike & Michelle Payne

Triathlon: where you can test your limits in 3 different disciplines one after the other! Swim, bike, run. One might say it's an addiction, but truly it's a lifestyle! Mission Kona podcast highlights age group athletes doing amazing things in the Triathlon space. Mike & Michelle Payne are husband and wife amateur triathletes, parents and self proclaimed coffee connoisseurs, both working in corporate America. Mike is also a Triathlon coach and recently qualified for Kona in October of 2024. Michelle completed her first half Ironman in 2021 and plans to race a full Ironman in the near future. This podcast is a journey to discovering what it takes to be competitive in triathlon, sharing stories, and finding the inspiration to go after challenging but worthwhile goals. We talk with age group athletes and explore how they got their start in triathlon, where they live, train and work, how they stay motivated, race recaps and more! Are you interested in growing and performing your best? TUNE IN! There is so much to learn from those who have worked (and continue to work) hard to be at the top of their game!

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20 episodes
Updated Oct 2, 2024

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Episodes20

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Oct 2, 2024 · 1 hr 7 min
#34 Ironman Kona Build Up with Lars Wichert
Send a text Another exciting Kona Build Up episode coming at you this week! Mike & Michelle had the pleasure of chatting with Lars Wichert, currently the age group record holder for the Ironman distance! Lars raced 2024 Ironman Hamburg finishing 1st overall with a time of 7:50:42! And over 5 minutes ahead of 2nd place, in a truly incredible performance! Lars lives and trains in Germany and shares everything from his athletic background to the balance of being a parent, husband, employee, and triathlete. While his path and training schedule may be a bit unique, there's no denying the incredible talent and determination he has. Interestingly, Lars did not accept his Kona slot at Ironman Hamburg, but decided to race Ironman Frankfurt where he finished 2nd overall and did take his slot for 2024 Ironman World Championships in Kona. Listen to the episode to hear about why he made this decision and what his goals are for returning to Kona later this month. Follow along with Lars on Instagram at @lars_wichert Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Sep 25, 2024 · 1 hr
#33 2024 Ironman Kona Build Up with Adam Holz
Send a text We're bringing you another fantastic conversation with athlete Adam Holz! A now resident of Boulder, CO, Adam grew up in Pennsylvania where he began his triathlon journey less than 5 years ago. Adam secured his Kona slot at 2024 Ironman Texas finishing 7th in the 25-29 age group after an incredible performance in a very stacked field. What began as a dream 8 years prior to race on the big island is coming to fruition in a just a few short weeks! We enjoyed this casual chat through Adam's Kona build, what a week of training looks like, and how triathlon is truly a way of life for him. Living and training in Boulder provides access to some of the most scenic spaces for quality bike rides and runs, while also being surrounded by so many like-minded athletes to encourage him achieve his big goals! Be sure to follow along with Adam as he races the 2024 Ironman World Championship in Kona! Follow Adam on Instagram: @adamkholz Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Sep 18, 2024 · 40 min
#32 2024 Ironman Kona Build Up with Alfredo Ramirez Pinho
Send a text Mike & Michelle were excited to sit down for this conversation with Alfredo Ramirez Pinho who just won 2024 Ironman Wisconsin! This was a hometown race for Alfredo, which means the win was extra special. Not to mention the race took place just days after the birth of his 3rd child! As a 35-39 age grouper and member of the Every Man Jack team, Alfredo shares how Ironman Wisconsin was a key element in this Kona build and a clear demonstration of where his fitness is at going into these final weeks of training before race day. Hear how he secured his spot to the World Championships and gain some insight into what a typical training week looks like for Alfredo. You will definitely want to add him in the tracker for race day! Follow Alfredo on Instagram: @aramypinho Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Sep 12, 2024 · 23 min
#31 2024 Ironman Kona Build Up with Mike Payne
Send a text The countdown is ON! The 2024 Ironman World Championship in Kona is 6 weeks away! This solo episode with podcast host Mike Payne highlights his training and racing over the past few months in his build to Kona. Fun fact: This episode is also going live on the 2-year anniversary of Mike accepting his Kona qualification slot at Ironman Wisconsin in 2022 after finishing 2nd in the 35-39 age group! Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
May 14, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min
#30 Andrew Hall - 2024 Ironman Texas 1st Overall AG Champion
Send a text We are back for SEASON 3 with a focus on highlighting the male triathletes competing in the 2024 Kona Ironman World Championships in October! Our first episode of the season features Andrew Hall, a standout athlete competing in the 35-39 age group. Andrew is by no means new to the sport of triathlon, but he has been very calm and calculated in his approach to racing and performing at the top level. Living and training in Salt Lake City, Utah it's safe to say that the Ironman Texas course was a bit different than his usual terrain. After some unexpected changes in his schedule, demands with work and life, Andrew worked hard to pull together a successful training block and so he could be ready to race in April. One huge goal he had was to secure his Kona slot, and that he did! Andrew executed on all disciplines on race day with a finishing time of 8:32 securing the overall age group win! Enjoy our conversation about Andrew's journey, his training leading up to race day, and how Texas Ironman unfolded! Stay tuned until the end to hear his podium predictions for Kona! Follow Andrew @andrewtrihall Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Nov 22, 2023 · 52 min
#29 2023 Kona Series: A Story of Resilience with Kirsten Miller
Send a text Episode 6 of the WOMEN CRUSHING KONA Series features Kirsten Miller who competed in her first Kona this year in the 55-59 age group! Listen in to hear: Kirsten’s dream of racing on the big island, why she thought the Ironman distance was behind her, and the mindset it required to overcome an unexpected obstacle and show up on race day despite all odds! Follow Kirsten’s journey on instagram @nourish2flourish_nutrition Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Nov 18, 2023 · 46 min
#28 2023 Kona Series: Barbora Besperat 1st 30-34
Send a text Episode 5 of the WOMEN CRUSHING KONA Series features Barbora Besperat of Czech Republic who finished 1st in the 30-34 age group and 2nd overall! Listen in to hear: how long Barbora has been racing the Ironman distance what she claims is her "key to success" (hint: it's a PLACE!) her run split!!! Follow Barbora's journey on instagram @barubesp Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Nov 14, 2023 · 49 min
#27 2023 Kona Series: Michelle Krebs 2nd 25-29
Send a text Episode 4 of the WOMEN CRUSHING KONA Series features Michelle Krebs of Switzerland who finished 2nd in the 25-29 age group and 3rd overall! Listen in to hear how: Triathlon changed Michelle's life What happened out there on the course before (ouch!) and during race day and why her nickname is now PACMAN Follow Michelle's journey on instagram @michelle_krebs94_ and check out her incredible sponsors as well: @muuvrfitness @catfp.ch @live_insiders @nutriperformx Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Nov 10, 2023 · 46 min
#26 2023 Kona Series: Vanessa Murray 1st 35-39
Send a text 2023 KONA SERIES: WOMEN CRUSHING KONA We are back with episode 3 of the Women Crushing Kona series featuring Vanessa Murray who finished FIRST in the 35-39 age group and 4th overall at the Women's Ironman World Championships with a time of 9:34:27. A native of New Zealand, Vanessa currently lives and trains in Melbourne, Australia. She finally had the opportunity to return to Kona ten years after her debut ironman on the big island. Though she had qualified many times during those ten years, it was important for her to be ready to give it her all when she returned. It's safe to say - she crushed it! Listen in to hear about Vanessa's race day, the consistent work she has put in over those 10 years, and why being a well-rounded athlete in all three disciplines earns her a spot on the top of the podium time and time again. Follow Vanessa on instagram at @vanmurraytri Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Nov 6, 2023 · 42 min
#25 2023 Kona Series: Ava Warfel 1st 18-24
Send a text 2023 KONA SERIES: WOMEN CRUSHING KONA Ava Warfel finished FIRST in the 18-24 age group at the 2023 Women's Ironman World Championships in Kona with a time of 9:47. In her first race on the island Ava dominated the course, finishing with a 3:10 marathon, the 19th fastest run of the day including the professional women. What an incredible performance! Hear about Ava's introduction to triathlon, how and where she trains, as well as the areas she still strives to improve upon. She will be one to watch going forward! Follow Ava's journey on instagram @avawarfel Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Nov 2, 2023 · 47 min
#24 2023 Kona Series: Elyse Gallegos 2nd 35-39
Send a text 2023 KONA SERIES: WOMEN CRUSHING KONA Elyse Gallegos, a force to be reckoned with in the 35-39 age group, recently competed at the Ironman Women's World Championships in Kona, finishing 2nd in her age group and 10th female overall! As a busy mom of 2 young boys and recently relocating to Alabama, Elyse has had to adapt her training to work with her busy schedule while also finding her way in a new community. You will appreciate how laid back her approach is, the truth behind that "mom superpower", and how consistent hard work can set you up to have an epic race on the big stage! 2023 was Elyse's 4th time competing on the big island. She shares many tips about how to race the course, what to expect, and how it all played out for her this year. You can follow Elyse's journey on instagram at @gallegoselyse and check out her sponsor @slowtwitchgoodliferacing Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Oct 31, 2023 · 25 min
#23 70.3 Arizona Recap, Kona Slot Allocation for 2024
Send a text In this episode, Mike shares a quick recap of his race at 70.3 Arizona (HOT!) and then we chat a bit about the 2024 Kona slot allocations at upcoming races for the men. Some fun places to grab a coffee or bite to eat if you visit the Tempe/Phoenix area for the full ironman in November: Hava Java - Cold Foam Cold Brew in their fall flavors (YUM!) Peixoto Coffee Roasters - Best coffee we've had in a while, cold brew of course! Pita Jungle - this is right downtown near race, fresh & tons of healthy options! Hundred Mile Brewing Company - also downtown near race, food and beer options were excellent! BONUS - we are friends with the owner as she is originally from Iowa :) Launching soon: the 2023 KONA SERIES! Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Oct 18, 2023 · 29 min
#22 Life Lately + Kona Just Happened!
Send a text We're back for season 2 of Mission Kona Podcast! In this episode, Mike and Michelle share some big life updates, how training and racing has looked for the past 6 months, and what's ahead for the podcast! As many know, Ironman World Championships for the women just took place in Kona on October 14, 2023. It was a fantastic race day for many ladies, a bucket list checked for others, but in all seemed to be a very positive experience to have a field of all women competing on such an epic course! Listen in to hear what's in store for SEASON TWO! Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Feb 22, 2023 · 52 min
#21 Jennifer Vollmann, build for 2023 Ironman Texas, 40-44 AG
Send a text Jennifer Vollmann may not have been the first pick on the playground for a game of elementary school kickball, but what she (and others!) didn't know at that time was that she was BUILT FOR ENDURANCE! Jennifer is a mom, a triathlete, and a coach - residing in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. Having entered the sport as a novice, Jennifer shares how her hands-on coach guided her to fully understand the sport and most importantly, to LOVE the sport. Now as a coach herself, Jennifer has a similar approach with her athletes. Building a strong foundation leads to a longer and more enjoyable triathlon career/hobby! Jennifer began racing the half ironman distance in 2017, building to the full ironman distance in 2019. She most recently finished 5th in her age group at 70.3 Indian Wells 2022 and also raced Ironman World Championships St. George and Kona in 2022! Adding arguablely the most epic achievement of the year: Jennifer WON the Starvation xTreme Triathlon in July of 2022! Ironman Texas 2023 is quickly approaching and is the first race of the year on Jennifer's calendar - she is eyeing a Kona slot. Listen in to hear how her build is going, why she loves training in AZ, and what additional plans she has to ensure she shows up to Texas stronger than ever! Follow Jennifer: www.findingendurance.com @jennifervollmann Pura Vida Cycling Challenge Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Feb 8, 2023 · 34 min
#20 Five Reasons to Hire a Coach
Send a text On this Host Episode, Mike & Michelle share 5 Reasons to Hire a Coach. There's no doubt that triathlon is a journey. What may start as some easy cross training from a run or sport injury can lead to a full on obsession with the sport of triathlon. Somewhere in there most of us have tried to coach ourselves. We pull a plan off the internet or piece together what we "think" we should be doing to get stronger. With this approach, we can quickly find ourselves overtraining, spending too much time in the wrong zones, burnt out, overwhelmed, and not seeing results. Listen in to this short episode on the 5 reasons we feel a coach is important to your progression in the sport. Some you may have heard many times from athletes we have chatted with... some may surprise you! Enjoy! Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Feb 1, 2023 · 1 hr 20 min
#19 Eva Frieden - Finding Balance in Triathlon + Ironman Alaska 2nd 30-34
Send a text BALANCE: an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady Eva Frieden joins us on this episode to share how she has found BALANCE in the sport of triathlon. We had an impactful discussion on all the elements that are important to finding sustainable success as an age group athlete. SPOILER! Having fun and enjoying what you do = LESS chance of burnout and injury! Perhaps no surprise there, but this was a really good reminder for us. Eva resides in Santa Monica, California and has been in the sport for a handful of years. Formerly a collegiate rower, she grew up very active playing a variety of sports and finding that the social aspect was something that really fueled her and kept her engaged. Now, she has completed over 10 Ironman and Half Ironman distance races! In 2022 she finished 2nd in her age group at Ironman Alaska and also earned her Kona spot, racing Ironman Hawaii in October! There's no denying that Eva is a strong athlete - mentally and physically. You'll learn a lot from how she's navigated her race schedule, her approach to training with athletes often outside of the triathlon community, and really dialed into the things that bring her joy! She's a fan of good food, good coffee, and good company! Up Next: Eva is racing the 2023 Boston Marathon - a first timer at a home race of sorts for her! Follow Eva: Instagram @evadorphins Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Jan 25, 2023 · 47 min
#18 Nick Modrzejewski, Ironman Florida 2022 6th 40-44
Send a text Nick Modrzejewski is a name you'll remember - perhaps have difficulty pronouncing (MA-JE-SKI) - but memorable indeed! Nick resides in Champaign, Illinois, is husband to Amy, father to two, a Pastor at Illini Life, a triathlon coach at SuperFly Coaching, and a competitive age group triathlete. He has completed Ironman Florida FIVE times with finishes in the top 10 of his age group each time. His best finish at Ironman Florida was in 2021 where he finished 2nd in the 35-39 age group- this after an incredible 1st place age group finish at Wisconsin in 2021 where he secured his spot to Ironman World Championships in Kona this past October 2022. The Ironman Florida race has been a highlight race for Nick - one he likes to finish his season with. It's warm, flat, and fast! His race in 2022 may not have been all he hoped for, but with a finishing time of 9:49, it's one to be proud of - especially considering how he felt on race day, just coming off of Kona a few weeks prior, and a new baby at home! If you're considering racing this course you'll learn a lot from his Nick's experiences over the years. One thing you cannot deny - Nick has a true love and passion for the sport of triathlon... "a good day is getting to swim, bike, and run." Simple as that. He shares how the pressures of a big goal can and DO weigh him (us) down; rather success is found when we let those expectations go and show up as our very best that we have to give on race day. Follow Nick's training and racing on Strava, or reach out via Super Fly Coaching. Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Jan 18, 2023 · 43 min
#17 Nutrition for the Endurance Athlete with eatloveTRIATHLON
Send a text We are bringing you a special episode this week around the 4th discipline of triathlon: NUTRITION You'll enjoy this conversation with Kathleen Oswalt, a registered dietitian who gives nutritional guidance and support to endurance athletes who want to follow a plant focused diet. Together with her husband Don, a 2x World Championship qualifier, they own eatloveTriathlon where they focus on plant-based nutrition and mindset to empower endurance athletes to fuel their body for sustained energy, endurance and quicker recovery. Kathleen shares her wisdom and experience around developing positive habits with nutrition to support your workouts and your lifestyle. As endurance athletes it's common to under-fuel or be overwhelmed with trying to eat "perfectly" - THANKFULLY there are resources available (eatloveTRIATHLON!) to help us navigate this process, support our bodies, and reach our goals. Follow on Instagram @eatlovetriathlon eatloveTRIATHLON is sharing a free resource with you! The Endurance Athlete's Guide to Plant Based Eating https://courses.eatlovetriathlon.com/beginners-guide-to-plant-based-eating Join eatloveTRIATHLON's Private Facebook group: The Plant Powered Athlete https://www.facebook.com/groups/theplantpoweredathlete Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Jan 11, 2023 · 1 hr 8 min
#16 Couples Who Tri: Amy and Seamus Woods, Kona 2022 45-49
Send a text We are excited to bring you the third episode of the Couples Who Tri series where we sit down with couples who are both active in the sport of triathlon. Do they train together? Race together? Did triathlon unite them or did it come to be after the fact? And WHAT will a world championship race in 2 different locations look like for competitive triathlon couples? Amy & Seamus Woods live and train in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and race in the 45-49 age group. They are parents to 2 kids, so we spend some time chatting about how they manage busy lives and schedules, and how staying active has been a part of their relationship from the very start. Seamus raced Ironman Kona in 2022 and shares a recap of how he got there and how the day played out for him (SPOILER: his finish time of 9:59:59 might be the best thing ever!). Amy (fellow @iracelikeagirl teammate to Michelle!) most recently raced Florida 70.3 in 2022 after a year of battling injury. With a finish time of 5:20:33, I think it's safe to say she's BACK and more than ready for her 2023 season! Both Amy & Seamus have some great advice for busy athletes and parents, and we appreciated their honesty when it comes to balance and staying true to your own goals and dreams. Follow Amy & Seamus: @amywoodsfitness @rhymes_w_famous Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!
Jan 4, 2023 · 34 min
#15 Host Episode: 2022 Highlights + 2023 Ambitions
Send a text Mike & Michelle share some racing highlights from the 2022 season including huge PRs and dreams reached! Listen in to hear what races went to plan and setbacks did we have to navigate over the past year. ...also - what's ahead personally AND for the podcast in 2023!!! And find out Michelle's "WORD OF THE YEAR"! Support the show Follow Mission Kona Podcast hosted by Mike & Michelle Payne: · Instagram missionkonapodcast · Do you know an age group athlete who has a great story to share? Send us a message on Instagram!