Imagine standing on the start line of your very first Ironman and the 3rd in history in Oahu in 1980—no high-tech gear, no fancy nutrition plans, just raw endurance and a relentless drive to push human limits. Now, fast forward 44 years, and that same athlete has just completed his 50th Ironman in Kona in 2024. Kurt Madden—also known as Coach K or Mad Dog—is an endurance sports pioneer, a champion ultraman, and a world-class triathlon coach. In this episode, we dive deep into his journey: what led him to that historic start line in 1980, the lessons learned from five decades in endurance sports, and the business and life principles he’s extracted along the way. We’ll explore what it takes to endure—both as an athlete and as a coach—why he is devoted to helping others achieve their peak performance, and how AI is about to change the future of coaching. Whether you’re an aspiring triathlete, a business leader, or someone looking for the mindset to go further, this episode will inspire you to redefine your own limits.

Highlights:
- Kurt's Journey to His First Ironman
- The Challenges of the First Ironman
- The Evolution of Ironman and Kona
- Racing in Kona: A Special Experience
- The Meaning of Ohana on a Race Day
- Lessons from The Ultraman: A 100-Mile Run
- The Hard Rock Race Experience
- Leadville and the Taharamar Indians
- Coaching Influences and Personal Growth
- TriDot and AI in Training vs a Coach
- Reflections on Kona and World Championships

Links:
Connect with Kurt Madden through Instagram.

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This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline