30 episodes

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!

Mission Kona Mike & Michelle Payne

    • Sports
    • 5.0 • 6 Ratings

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!

    #29 2023 Kona Series: A Story of Resilience with Kirsten Miller

    #29 2023 Kona Series: A Story of Resilience with Kirsten Miller

    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, andthe 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!

    • 52 min
    #28 2023 Kona Series: Barbora Besperat 1st 30-34

    #28 2023 Kona Series: Barbora Besperat 1st 30-34

    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 distancewhat 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!

    • 46 min
    #27 2023 Kona Series: Michelle Krebs 2nd 25-29

    #27 2023 Kona Series: Michelle Krebs 2nd 25-29

    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 lifeWhat happened out there on the course before (ouch!) and during race dayand why her nickname is now PACMANFollow 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!

    • 49 min
    #26 2023 Kona Series: Vanessa Murray 1st 35-39

    #26 2023 Kona Series: Vanessa Murray 1st 35-39

    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!

    • 46 min
    #25 2023 Kona Series: Ava Warfel 1st 18-24

    #25 2023 Kona Series: Ava Warfel 1st 18-24

    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!

    • 42 min
    #24 2023 Kona Series: Elyse Gallegos 2nd 35-39

    #24 2023 Kona Series: Elyse Gallegos 2nd 35-39

    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!

    • 47 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
6 Ratings

6 Ratings

Gavin Hopewell ,

My review

Best podcast I have ever heard in my whole life. I cried 3 times in the first episode you empowered me on my weight loss journey and to be the best me. I’m so happy for you two. I’ve never heard such an inspiring story you two are like the Mozart of the podcast industry.

kona wannabe ,

Best Age Group Triathlon Focused Podcast

There are only a few of these podcast available and this is the best one yet. Mike and Michelle do a great job highlighting the best of the sport. Keep it up! Can’t wait for the next podcast series

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