Can a sport truly transform your life? On today's episode of the Redleaf Fitness Podcast, Michelle and I explore the profound journeys of our triathlon newbies, celebrating their transition from hesitant beginners to triumphant finishers. Inspired by Allison’s motivating nudge, we return from our hiatus to recount the summer race season's highlights, focusing on the Gravenhurst triathlon. Listen as we share heartfelt moments of resistance, encouragement, and the rigorous training that led to personal growth and resilience among our athletes.

Meet Andrew, Jay, and Daniel—three inspiring individuals who conquered their personal battles on race day. Andrew realized the true essence of the race was personal growth, while Jay pushed through his aversion to running, and Daniel’s emotional finish line moment with his family cheering him on. Hear the stories that showcase the balance between life's responsibilities and hard-earned achievements, and the undeniable impact these victories have on the athletes and their loved ones. Join us as we honor the perseverance and dedication it takes to achieve unimpeachable credentials.

Our discussion extends beyond athletic feats, highlighting the broader impact of fitness on life quality. From overcoming mini panic attacks during lake swims to achieving mental resilience on challenging terrain, we celebrate the courage and growth that fitness brings. Experience the joy of scenic swims, the thrill of bike segments, and the emotional rollercoaster of watching loved ones cross the finish line. Whether it’s setting ambitious goals or finding the positivity in every step, this episode is a testament to the transformative power of fitness and the incredible support from friends and family.

🧠 This episode and more are available now on all streaming platforms. Check it out on Spotify, iTunes or http://podcast.redleaf.fit/

'𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

⛏️💎#KEEPGOING

Ever wondered how a cycling studio tucked inside a Trek store could spin into a full-fledged community hub? In our latest episode, we ride alongside Barry Near on an inspirational journey through the co-creation of the T Train community. From humble beginnings as a wintertime gym to a vibrant nucleus of activity, we uncover the magnetic pull of community spaces and the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps the wheels turning, even through economic headwinds like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Get ready to gear up with stories of resilience and adaptation in the cityscape of Toronto. Barry and I share the inside track on the hurdles and triumphs of keeping community fitness alive in pricey urban settings. Discover the creative ways to sustain passion-led projects, the heartwarming results of fitness communities crossing paths, and the unshakable support systems formed during the most testing of times. This episode is a testament to the power of partnerships and the enduring bond between people with shared passions.

As we coast to the end, we reflect on the broader impact cycling has on personal transformation and the unexpected journeys life presents—like transitioning from the ski industry into a fulfilling chapter with Trek.

This episode promises to leave you with a sense of gratitude for the ride and the people you meet along the way. Join us for a pedal-powered exploration that transcends the usual cycling narrative and delves into the heart of what moves us.

🧠 This episode and more are available now on all streaming platforms. Check it out on Spotify, iTunes or http://podcast.redleaf.fit/

'𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

⛏️💎#KEEPGOING

Embark on a captivating voyage through the transformation of triathlon, as we sit down with Jason Vurma from Multisport Canada. From the nostalgia of Jason's childhood tales to the pivotal moments that birthed a multisport legacy, we uncover the personal and historical threads that weave together to form today's exhilarating triathlon tapestry. London, Ontario's role in nurturing world-class athletes and the significance of community spirit in shaping the sport's evolution sets the stage for an inspiring narrative that resonates with both novices and veterans of the race.

Peeking behind the curtain, our conversation shifts to the meticulous art of event planning. Orchestrating Multisport Canada's year-round symphony of triathlons, charity runs, and bike rides, we expose the complexities of logistics, teamwork, and public service collaboration that come together to create seamless and successful events. I share the balancing act of managing a bustling event season, interspersed with personal off-season endeavors, revealing how each cycle informs the next, polishing the experience for all involved – from athletes to organizers.

For those standing on the brink of their triathlon journey, we offer heartfelt advice to spur you into the water, onto the bike, and across the finish line. Discussing training tips and race day strategies, we break down the daunting into the doable, ensuring your foray into triathlon is as rewarding as it is challenging. The joy of crossing the finish line, perhaps with race producer Jason ready to cool you down (with a hose at the finish line!), is a testament to the community support that makes this sport unlike any other. Join us in celebrating the passion, perseverance, and camaraderie that epitomize the triathlon community.

🧠 This episode and more are available now on all streaming platforms. Check it out on Spotify, iTunes or http://podcast.redleaf.fit/

'𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

⛏️💎#KEEPGOING

Reading with Ari: Book Review of, Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday.

Join RedLeaf book reviewer Ari as she discusses the complex relationship between self-improvement, fitness, and the dangers of pride. The battle between personal growth and ego is a journey we all face.

Our passion for triathlon training is the backdrop for a broader conversation about life's obstacles and triumphs. We share anecdotes from our indoor training struggles and the yearning for the liberating embrace of the outdoors while also delving into Ryan Holiday's potent message in "Ego is the Enemy." Listen as we dissect the cultural echo chamber that inflates our egos and confuses self-advertising with substantive progress. You'll walk away with five transformative takeaways from Holiday's work, each marked by a quote that has reshaped our perspective on personal and athletic aspirations.

When the starting gun of our endeavours fires, the blend of passion and process keeps our strides steady. This episode peels back the layers of visualization's strengths and weaknesses as I recount the visceral power of picturing the Ironman finish line long before the race began. We critique the seductive trap of passion, advocating instead for a foundation of purpose and the grind of disciplined effort. Our discussion turns to Henry Ford's wisdom, illustrating that reputation reflects actions, not intentions. This chapter reinforces the importance of embracing the mundane and the methodical, and it will inspire you to honour the quiet dedication that actual ambition demands.

In conclusion, we celebrate personal victories and the silent satisfaction of chasing one's potential. We tackle the challenging but rewarding task of learning from failure and maintaining humility in our relentless pursuit of personal betterment. From the reflective calm found in a swimmer's strokes to the triumphant charge toward our personal bests, we explore the essence of growth and fulfillment.

Embrace the insights from this book as you navigate the waters of life, striving for an existence unshackled by ego.

🧠 This episode and more are available now on all streaming platforms. Check it out on Spotify, iTunes or http://podcast.redleaf.fit/

'𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

⛏️💎#KEEPGOING

Join Sean and Michelle as they share stories from the fitness world, uncovering small habits that may be hindering your progress. They cover a range of topics, from serious to seriously funny, to help you overcome everyday fitness challenges.

In this session, they discuss the importance of being coachable, especially in CrossFit. It can be difficult to balance your desire for immediate success with your coach's advice for long-term health. Sean shares his personal experience with wanting to outrun his coach's guidance, while Michelle talks about the emotional ties we have to fitness goals. They discuss the benefits of open dialogue with mentors and how it can help align your self-improvement journey with your emotional wellness.

Finally, they delve into the practical aspects of setting fitness goals, with a focus on protein intake. They debunk myths, offer nutritional tactics, and emphasize the power of visualization. They also give a sneak peek of Part B of their conversation, which promises to provide even more insights into the world of fitness. So, join Sean and Michelle and let's tackle those fitness dreams together!

🧠 This episode and more are available now on all streaming platforms. Check it out on Spotify, iTunes or http://podcast.redleaf.fit/

'𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

⛏️💎#KEEPGOING

Ever felt like winter's gloom has a stranglehold on your smile? Well, buckle up as Coach Michelle and I, Sean Blinch, take you on a journey to wrestle back your joy and kickstart your productivity, even under Toronto's stubborn cloud cover. In our latest episode of the Red Leaf Fitness podcast, we unpack the toolbox for crafting your daily sunshine, from the simple pleasures of a good book to the endorphin rush of your favorite workout. And if you're someone who needs a 'wolf at the door' to chase, we dive into why a looming challenge can be just the ticket to keep the winter blues at bay.

Navigating the supplement aisle can feel like a quest without a map, but we've got the compass you've been looking for. Join us as we sift through the avalanche of dietary advice, landing on solid ground with the real MVPs – whey protein, creatine, and the like. As we chuckle over the memory of a shampoo scent, ylang ylang, we don't forget to remind you of the critical step: consulting a healthcare pro before rejigging your supplement stack. Whether you're looking to build muscle or just keep your spirits lifted, we've got the lowdown on what's worth your hard-earned dollars (and what's not).

Before you think popping pills is the golden ticket to Hulk-like gains, listen in as we shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of health – veggies. Yes, you heard us, those green machines might just be your secret weapon in the testosterone department, thanks to a little thing called DIM. But it's not just about what you eat—Michelle and I serve up a reminder that good ol' Z's and a balanced plate are the real cornerstones of peak performance and tip-top testosterone. So if you're ready to put a spring in your step (and your muscles) this winter, give this episode a listen. Coach Michelle and I are all set to guide you through the season with a mix of science, stories, and a sprinkle of humor.

🧠 This episode and more are available now on all streaming platforms. Check it out on Spotify, iTunes or http://podcast.redleaf.fit/

'𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

⛏️💎#KEEPGOING

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to a stronger, healthier, and more joyful life? That's exactly what Michelle and I, promise as we guide you through the transformative power of strength training. Our latest episode isn't just for gym aficionados; it's for anyone aiming to craft a robust life inside and out. From the novice lifting their body weight to the seasoned athlete refining their clean and jerk, we're here with anecdotes, insights, and strategies to help you tailor a plan as unique as your goals.

Encountering a plateau in your training can be as frustrating as a barbell that won't budge. But what if I told you that the secret to surpassing your personal best isn't always about piling on more plates? Within the depths of our discussion, we dissect the nuances of technique, the strategy behind regression for progression, and the psychological battle of lifting heavier. It's a narrative that redefines success in weightlifting, replacing the obsession with numbers with a holistic approach to incrementally achieving peak performance and ensuring safety.

Sculpting your physique is one piece of the puzzle; the other is nurturing your well-being amidst life's daily hustle. Michelle and I explore the essential acts of self-care that foster stress management and invite joy into your routine. From setting boundaries to unwinding with intention, we share practical steps to improve not only your evenings but also your mornings and, ultimately, your life. So, tune in and let us accompany you on a journey that's not just about getting stronger but also about embracing happiness every step of the way.

🧠 This episode and more are available now on all streaming platforms. Check it out on Spotify, iTunes or http://podcast.redleaf.fit/

'𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

⛏️💎#KEEPGOING

Wave goodbye to those lofty New Year's resolutions that never stick and say hello to turning big dreams into daily habits with us, Sean Blinch and Michelle—your guides to a fitter, happier you. This episode is a goldmine for anyone who's ever found themselves scribbling ambitious fitness goals but come February, can't even find the pen. We're swapping out over-the-top aspirations for realistic, bite-size actions, because let's face it, prepping for a triathlon doesn't happen overnight. From maintaining a simple hydration streak to leveraging the psychological power of habit-building apps, we're laying down the foundation for a year where your fitness routine actually becomes routine.

Ready to lace up your sneakers for the Gravenhurst triathlon or just aiming to run your first full lap around the park? Our latest chat is all about the personal triumphs that come from pushing just a bit further each day. We give you the insider scoop on community events and training opportunities that'll have you biking, swimming, and running alongside fellow enthusiasts. Joining forces with Coach Karen for a cycling session or diving in with Coach Tara for a team swim not only offers guidance but fuels the camaraderie that keeps the spirit of competition friendly and your personal goals within reach.

As we wrap up, don't forget that our Zoom calls are the virtual place to be for anyone targeting races, be it a duathlon, a 10K, or the Gravenhurst triathlon. It's not all split times and race strategies; we're dishing out wisdom that transcends the track, keeping you in the loop with newsletters and community updates that will ensure 2024 is more than just a leap year—it's your leap forward. Join Michelle and me as we step into a year of shared victories, growth, and a community cheering you on at every mile marker. Here's to the progress we make each day and the wins we'll celebrate together.

🧠 This episode and more are available now on all streaming platforms. Check it out on Spotify, iTunes or http://podcast.redleaf.fit/

'𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

⛏️💎#KEEPGOING