Grit2Greatness Endurance Podcast

Redefining Success in Triathlon with Jasmine Moezzi

• Season 1 • Episode 13

Share episode

Send us a text

Endurance athlete and coach Jasmine Moezzi joins me on the Grit2Greatness Endurance Podcast, sharing her incredible journey in redefining success in the world of triathlon. We promise you'll gain a fresh perspective on how true triumph is found beyond the podium. Jasmine recounts her experience at the grueling T-100 Lake Las Vegas triathlon, weaving personal narratives that illustrate the power of resilience over mere medals. Her insights into the importance of pushing past mental and physical barriers offer a testament to finding joy in the process, rather than just the outcome.

The episode shines a spotlight on gratitude and community as catalysts for growth and perseverance. Discover how athletes like Sam Long exemplify resilience, and learn about the South Bay Squad's evolution from a small group into a thriving community of dedicated triathletes during the pandemic. Jasmine's commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments is evident in her work with Team Achilles Kids, as well as her coaching philosophy that encourages athletes to embrace the journey. You'll hear inspiring anecdotes that showcase how camaraderie and a positive mindset can transform personal challenges into meaningful victories.

We also delve into embracing fear and overcoming challenges, discussing Jasmine's recovery journey following a significant back injury. She shares valuable lessons on adapting training and lifestyle to ensure lasting health and performance, emphasizing the importance of strength training and listening to one's body. The conversation touches on how reframing nervousness as readiness can unlock potential, both in sports and life. Join us as we celebrate the essence of endurance sports, highlighting how grit and determination can lead to personal triumphs that redefine greatness.

To contact Coach Jasmine Moezzi, email her at jasmine.moezzi@tridot.com

To follow her journey, check out her socials:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/theholistictriathlete/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/jymoezzi

Support the show

FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/316745510823638
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/april_spilde/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-spilde

Speaker 2:

Welcome. Welcome to episode 13 of the Grit to Greatness Endurance Podcast, where we are diving deep into the stories, challenges and triumphs of endurance athletes. Today, we're tackling a topic that hits home for so many athletes, myself included. We're going to be talking about how to redefine success when we're looking at what does it really mean to win within the sport of triathlon and in the world of triathlon. It's easy to get caught up in race results I mean, we have the Super Bowl of triathlon coming up tomorrow with Kona World Championships and it's very easy to get caught up in podium finishes, personal bests and chasing that ever elusive top spot. But is that the only way to measure success? For many, crossing the finish line means so much more than a medal or a trophy. It's oftentimes more meaningful when it is about overcoming our fears, persevering through setbacks and achieving personal milestones that go far beyond the clock. And in this episode we'll explore what it truly means to quote unquote win in triathlon, even when victory doesn't come with a first place finish. We'll hear a personal story of triumph, resilience and the power of perspective, as our guest today shares how she redefines success through the ups and downs of her endurance journey, including her recent epic finish at T100's Lake Las Vegas Triathlon. So, whether you're a seasoned triathlete or just starting out, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what winning really means and show you that success comes in many forms and sometimes the most meaningful ones aren't found at the top of the podium. So we're going to jump in and start redefining success with our guest today, coach jasmine Moese.

Speaker 2:

And I had the privilege of meeting Coach Jasmine at Tridot Pool School and from the moment that we met there was just this instant connection. She became a fast friend and someone that I really really look up to. Whether she knows it or not, she's just a huge inspiration in my life and it's just been a privilege getting to know her. But let me tell you a little bit about this phenomenal woman. She is not only a triathlete but an ultra runner. She's from Redondo Beach, california.

Speaker 2:

She started racing triathlon collegiately at the University of Southern California, where she not only trained for triathlon but she earned her Bachelor of Science in applied and computational mathematics. Yes, that is correct, she's a certified genius. She is currently an MBA candidate at UCLA Anderson School of Management and, upon getting certified as an Ironman U triathlon coach and in integrative nutritionist and health coach, jasmine launched her triathlon team and coaching business called South Bay Squad, where she has over 80 athletes and quickly growing. Additionally, she works at AIM Health Clinic as a nutritionist and health coach, where she empowers members with severe mental illness to lead more active and balanced lives. Jasmine also serves as the co-president of Achilles LA, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. She is passionate about creating inclusive communities centered around camaraderie, wellness and longevity. I mean, that is a heck of a intro, jasmine. I'm just so impressed, so happy to have you on the Grit to Greatness Endurance Podcast.

Speaker 1:

Thank you so much for having me, april. I'm truly so excited and honored to be here. You are just such a light in this world, especially in the tri world, so I'm really grateful to know you and and be on here with you and, yeah, I'm super excited for this episode.

Speaker 2:

Heck, yes, let's jump in. So I I've been kind of doing a little bit of Facebook sleuthing and just catching up with you and and and really, um, really excited to hear about your journey with T100 Lake Las Vegas and actually just do a little bit more digging in with you as far as South Bay squad and just all the things you have going on are just so cool. But I wanted to just kind of hear from you how did it go last weekend? I know just seeing some race reports that it was a pretty tough race and kind of hear from you, how did it go last weekend? I know just seeing some race reports that it was a pretty tough race and uh kind of had a lot of punches thrown in there, and I would love to hear your uh recounting of of that specific event yeah, honestly, I've been racing for a decade now and that was probably, I'd say, the hardest race that I've ever done.

Speaker 1:

It was just so, so hilly and so like mentally it's. It was obviously physically difficult, but more so mentally as well. Um it, even even starting off from the swim, I was like the very last wave to go off. So my age group was the last, the last of the bunch. So I was waiting there for over an hour, just kind of just waiting, and the sun was coming up, it was getting already warmer. Um, as I was waiting, um, I had like my slowest, I think, 1.2 miles swim.

Speaker 1:

I don't know, I still don't know why, but it seems like everyone's times were a little bit slower. I'm not sure if it's because it was a lake or it's because it was really murky, but that was like that was one one way to start the race. I was like, ooh, I felt like I was out here for forever. And then I got onto the bike and we just started going up and down these Hills and it was basically just a ton of climbing, a ton of U-turns, and you had four loops on the bike course and I was like, wow, like when you finish one loop, you're like wait, I still have to do that three more times. Like it was.

Speaker 1:

Uh, yeah, it was rough, but somehow I kind of kicked it into gear in loop two and I kind of got like found my rhythm, I think I mentally like kind of got into it. I was feeling more like taking in my nutrition, so I kind of started coming back to life a little bit. Um, during loop one I literally was like why did I do this to myself? Is this even worth finishing? Should I like keep going?

Speaker 1:

And so I was really glad I kind of got out of that that mental space and kind of picked myself up and I had a good rest of the ride.

Speaker 1:

And the run is normally my strength, but that was, I felt, like just as hilly as the bike and we had three loops on the golf course for the run, so it was just a lot of up and down and some really steep uphills and downhills. Um, so it was definitely, yeah, like getting to that finish line. I was just completely cooked, depleted, the legs were were trashed at that point and got some really nice ice towels when I. When I finished but yeah, it was it was, like I'd say, by far the most like challenging race I've done, but it was so worth it, like I was out there with a few of my athletes and we were all able to finish, and one of them said it was even harder than when he did St George 70.3, which I was really surprised by. So yeah, but at the end of the day we got it done and got to celebrate afterwards. So that's always the best part.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, that's quite an achievement to have all your athletes finish Like you and your athletes came out and stuck, stuck it out, even though that sounds extremely painful.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, we called it like a bonding experience, bonding in your trauma. Yeah exactly we were like we're bonded for life from this guys Like this is something we'll take with us for a while, Like it, and it was crazy to see like all levels of athletes saying how hard it was, whether they were pro or elite, like all the pro triathletes that raced it the day before.

Speaker 1:

Actually, us age groupers had more climbing than the pros, cause the course was a little different. Um, when we were waiting at the swim start, they were announcing that and they said that we actually climbed luxor, you know, like the pyramid in vegas. We climbed it apparently 16 times on the bike course and I was like wait, what are we going to be doing?

Speaker 2:

whoa what's gonna?

Speaker 1:

happen. So it was kind of funny when they were putting it into perspective. While we were waiting to start the swim, I I was like, oh, this is good oh my gosh.

Speaker 2:

I had no idea it was that ruthless.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it was definitely something, because I actually love climbing.

Speaker 2:

But yeah, that was that was more than you bargained for yeah definitely, definitely more.

Speaker 1:

But it was kind of cool to see all of us like on the same like level, like we were all out there like in the pain cave like going to like really like probably you know dark places to try to get this race done.

Speaker 1:

And, yeah, no matter how fast or slow you were, we were all like able to relate to each other and you know we were all cheering each other on out there like it was really nice kind of camaraderie which made it easier to to get through yeah, when you said four loops, I yeah, that is such a mind uh trap.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, like you have to be able to success successfully and successively continue to gut it out, knowing you have three, two, one, yeah, oh, that's just rough, that's rough it was, but yeah, I mean it made it more rewarding when we finished.

Speaker 1:

I'm I'm very curious if they'll keep the course the same as like the same course for next year.

Speaker 2:

But yeah, I know they're coming back.

Speaker 1:

they apparently the same course for next year. Yeah, I know they're coming back. They apparently signed the contract for next year, so we'll see if anyone's daring enough to take on.

Speaker 2:

Oh my gosh.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, this was such a cool thing to see because I I don't know a lot about T100. I just kind of started coming into it this last year and I didn't know that it had opened up to um age group athletes. So to to see both sides of it with the professionals and with the age groupers, and then hearing about how well done it was with the not only like the, the stuff that they gave out, but the actual venue itself was really professional and nice and um, yeah, actual venue itself is really professional and nice. And um, yeah, it it's definitely intriguing, yeah, so I got to kind of live vicariously through you.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, Like I'm. I'm curious if they're going to come back with the same exact locations next year, if they're going to change it up I think it'd be fun to have it Like they should have one in in Colorado. Oh, that would be amazing, right Epic, I would come and do it Like sign me up for that one day.

Speaker 2:

You got a place to stay. I love it. Um, so what do you think is like your biggest takeaway from this most recent race that you did just because of how difficult it was and you said it was the most challenging. So what do you think you're going to walk away with from this?

Speaker 1:

I think to never give up, like you're never fully down and out of a race unless that's what you decide you are. But I think, like, if there's always time to to bounce back and recoup and and still have a great day out there. Um, I've had many races where certain things aren't going as planned, but I I pull it together and I I still finish and get it done and and feel really happy with it. There's only been one race that I did not do that and I just was mentally very defeated and I never want to be there ever again. So I think just yeah, like trying to be positive in like the hardest of times, which is easier said than done, but trying to think more positive thoughts and looking coming at things from a place of more like gratitude versus like why am I?

Speaker 1:

why am I doing this? This sucks, Like this is so hard, and said like, wow, I get to do this, I get to be here. I like I'm so lucky to be doing this. Yeah.

Speaker 2:

That's actually such a great point.

Speaker 2:

It's been scientifically shown over and over again that gratitude is a great way to fuel your resilience, and I think that you're just showcasing how powerful it is to have the ability to pull out of your pocket, if you will, when you're in the hurt locker, to be able to pull out of your pocket if you will, when you're in the, when you're in a hurt locker, to be able to pull out of your pocket, um, something to be grateful for.

Speaker 2:

And it just helps turn that whole mind frame around and it can actually, like you said, create, um, not only positive emotions, but actual a hormonal response, or or adrenaline, if you will, to keep going, to be able to stick it out. And then you get the added benefit of feeling accomplished once it's all said and done, like you've had the grit, you've had the determination to stick it out, and not a lot of people can say that they can pull that skill right. So it's really cool to see that in that way, that you were able to tap into something that might not be accessible to everyone if they don't know how to use gratitude.

Speaker 1:

So that's a perfect example. It's so true. Like I always think about Sam long, like he is always like so happy and stoked to be out there racing, and even in this race, like he struggled to, he came out pretty far back on the swim and he had to work so hard on the bike and run and he was able to run his place, his way to sixth place, which is, I mean, on that course, beyond belief, like so difficult, like that. He was able to do something like that.

Speaker 1:

So I think it's really cool when you like, see some pros that are doing that and and when you try to kind of embody that yourself too, like just not giving up and and keep like continuing to push yourself, remembering that you can do hard things and pain is temporary, and just kind of yeah, like be be happy and excited that you're out there doing you know things, things like this that majority of of people like can't even dream of doing, so it's yeah, it's always a privilege, for sure.

Speaker 2:

That's so good and I love that you brought up Sam it's. He's a great representation of um just enjoying the moment as much as possible and, and, like you said, I think he's a great representation of the win, of the success, like redefining what it means to win at something because you don't give up you, you continue to press forward. Um, I mean, that's a great role model for his child to not give up when the thing, when things get tough, and I think that's such a good example of what, what success can really look like, even if you're not placing in the top three or top 10 or even top 20. Right, so that's wonderful. Jasmine, can you tell me a little bit more about the South Bay squad? I wanted to ask you about it in our coach mastermind groups and just being in your presence and just hearing that you have such an awesome triathlete community that you've created, I want, I would love, to hear more about that.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I started the team kind of like unofficially during the pandemic. Like some of us kind of came together when the like or like beaches closed for a while, but when the when they reopened, like some of us would go through. Um, there's like an ocean swim group that meets every saturday morning, called one with the ocean.

Speaker 1:

So oh my gosh um, yeah, we, a bunch of us, started going more regularly because we had nothing else to do. We're like we want to go out and do something, and a bunch of us, like within the group, were triathletes and we kind of wanted to do more outdoor training. And I was like, well, if you guys want, I could start organizing some like fun outdoor rides, runs. When the pool reopened we could start doing pool swims, track workouts, like I just wanted to make sure to keep people active and sane during that time, so, and like outside as much as we could. So, um, so, yeah, I just started planning some fun things and we kind of slowly started growing and then, um, it got to the point where people were like, oh, you should make this official. And I was like, oh, that sounds like a lot of work, I don't know. Um, and yeah, like it was, it was definitely like something I was kind of going back and forth about. But, um, there was a girl, um, I became really close with, uh, named Liz, and she told me she would help me and there was like a few other people that that offered help. So I just kind of was like, okay, let me, let me just go for it and then see what happens.

Speaker 1:

And so we like officially launched in 2021 and, I think, got like for that kind of community in this area. So we kind of grew pretty quick within that first year. And then, yeah, now we're a few years in and we're at about like 80 or 90 athletes and we're we've been growing pretty steadily. We have some pretty great like sponsors and partners for the team and daily workout sessions. Obviously, we have like TriDot, um as our coaching platform that myself and the coaches use, um, we're like really happy to have that for our athletes, um. And then, yeah, we have like special events, like tonight we're going to an escape room together which is super fun.

Speaker 1:

Non-triathlon related, just kind of hanging out. I love that, yeah. So just anything that kind of builds community and like we want everyone to to feel like they're just a part of of something, whether they're doing triathlon or they, you know, want to do some fun events with us. We're kind of open to anything that people are looking for. So it's pretty, it's been a really great experience and, yeah, I've, I've really been enjoying, enjoying it a lot. Um, even with all the hard work it's, it's very worth it.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I'm sure you're, um, I'm, I'm. I can just imagine you're juggling a lot of things right now with business school and, yeah, and south bay squad and then being a triathlete yourself and racing. That's really. I'm really impressed that you not only created this community organically through a pandemic, but you're integrating it in a way that is lifestyle driven, and that's one of the things that drew me to triathlon.

Speaker 2:

It was first, initially, I want to be an Ironman, but as I was going through my my own journey of of living this lifestyle, I fell in love with not only the sport but the people in it and just this whole new world that opened up to me. And I think, if I would have met you from the beginning, I mean I just it just sounds so amazing, what a welcoming community. And think, if I would have met you from the beginning, I mean I just it just sounds so amazing, what a welcoming community. And, um, I just love that you are not only focusing on the athlete but the community as well, and and bringing that experience and making that accessible and welcoming and fun.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I'm very much about making triathlon more of like a lifestyle longevity thing versus just a performance and kind of results driven yeah, results driven.

Speaker 1:

Like that stuff's important too and I definitely work with my athletes a lot on that, but I also work kind of on the whole like all the pieces of the pie versus just that one. So just really making the team focused on um, obviously very heavily focused on triathlon, but just overall, like lifestyle and longevity and wellness like is so important to me. So that's, yeah, something we very heavily integrated and um started like really like making sure, like showcasing to our athletes.

Speaker 2:

So yeah, and I think that's a perfect transition for the topic we've been discussing, which is the defining success, without necessarily focusing on results or podiums or medals. So I I want to ask you how has your definition of success evolved since you first started competing in triathlon?

Speaker 1:

That's a good one. I definitely used to feel like, oh, I need to, like I need to podium, I need to place in my age group or get this time or do this or do that. And yeah, sometimes that stuff is fun and it's a good goal to have, but not when it starts to kind of consume everything where, like, even when you finish a race, you're like, oh, that that was I. There's so many people that I see that finish a race and they're like, oh man, I went like three minutes slower than last year. That was. I can't, that was horrible, blah, blah. And I'm like but you still like, finish the race and and did it like that's amazing.

Speaker 1:

So I think it's we're like always our own biggest critic and for me it's gone from trying to podium and this and that all the time to just being happy to be out there and and as long as I'm training and I'm not saying just going out and blindly like, blindingly doing it, but like, actually like, if I'm putting in the training, putting in the time, whatever time I have right now to do it, like, obviously my training for T100 wasn't optimal right now with my crazy schedule, but just the fact that I did everything I could and I felt as prepared as I could, going into it and I got it done.

Speaker 1:

Like, yes, my run could have been better, my swim, like you know all these things. I could start nitpicking at it, but no, at the end of the day, my goal there was just to, to, to finish and and take on like a really big challenge, which it was like a new, a new challenge Cause I've never done like the a hundred kilometer distance, which it was like a new, a new challenge, cause I've never done like the a hundred kilometer distance. Um, so I think, just having yeah, like that kind of going back to that mindset of like, just like gratitude versus like I must win or must do this and get this time and get that time, so I think that's like kind of been my biggest shift, with success that's like kind of been my biggest shift, with success, yes, and I think that you reframed that in such a beautiful way.

Speaker 2:

There's a, a quote that I heard from uh. One of the folks that I love to listen to is Ed Milet. He's a very good like inspirational uh podcaster, but he he talked about purpose and perspective, and one of the things that he said was that our meaning drives our memory, and I think that you just applied a really beautiful meaning to something that could have been oh, I didn't train hard enough for this or I'm unprepared for this. Why did I sign up for this? And this really sucks and the moment, right, it's painful and you're hot and um, it's you know, away from family and all those things that you could have focused on, but instead you decided no, this is something that I I am excited to be here, I'm grateful to be here, I get to be with my athletes, I get to have this memory, uh, and this really cool story of climbing the Luxor 16 times.

Speaker 1:

You know what I?

Speaker 2:

mean Like there's just so many things that you said that I want to highlight, because this is where resilience really comes into play. This is how you make your life meaningful and intentional and purposeful, by choosing to focus on those positive, wonderful benefits that you got from saying, yes, I'm going to do this and I'm not going to. Yes, I'm going to do this and I'm not going to give up, and I'm going to get to the finish line and I am going to reflect back on this in a positive way. And I think that that can be such a powerful tool and very magnetic. People want to be around that People want to be around that type of energy where their coach is able to reframe the good and and really focus on the benefits and encourage them to continue to grow and focus. Focus on what they can change versus what they can't is something that not a lot of people necessarily tap into, especially coaches.

Speaker 2:

And that that I wanted to highlight, because I think that that separates a good coach from a great coach.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I agree. Like, I think, like, really like, leading by example and showing your athletes what's important is is way bigger than just winning and podiuming, and I mean that stuff is amazing too, don't get me wrong. Like, yeah, like it's, that's a huge accomplishment in and of itself, but that's not the only, I think, accomplishment that should be focused on, because there's a lot of athletes out here that are just trying to get to the finish line or trying to, you know, like hit really personal goals for themselves. So I think, like it's just really important to kind of, yeah, show that, like be that example for the athletes and like, yeah, I have one athlete that always says I, I like lead by example, and I love it when he says that. It always like kind of hits the heartstrings. I'm like, oh, thank you.

Speaker 2:

I try, or the left ventricle is coach.

Speaker 1:

And he's like way faster than me too. So I'm like, yeah, if I'm leading by example, I will take it, cause he, yeah, he would he'll blow away my all my times Like he's so fast. But yeah, like I just feel like it's a lot, a lot more than than like than that, and I love that with my, the relationship I have with, like my athletes and team.

Speaker 2:

So that's good good stuff. I have with, like my athletes and team, so that's good good stuff, jasmine. So can you share a personal story where maybe finishing a race or overcoming a challenge or achieving a personal best felt more rewarding than than winning the medal or getting on a podium per se?

Speaker 1:

I think for me, it's like whenever I try a new like challenge or distance that I'm not sure about, like when I did my first half Ironman in Hawaii back in 2016, I think it was, I didn't know what I signed up for. I just was like I want to go to Hawaii and I want to do a half Ironman. So I just I just went and I was like, oh, this is, this is hard. But when I finished, like I think it took me almost like seven hours I don't even know how long it took me, I didn't care. I was out there like jog, walking with this, with this guy. We were just both struggling and we're like, hey, let's just enjoy the day and get to the finish line. And it was just so amazing crossing and getting the medal and celebrating. I that's when I was still on the USC triathlon team and we were just like all there was like four or five of us there, we celebrated together and I got to enjoy a nice week-long vacation in Hawaii.

Speaker 1:

Um, and then, yeah, like I've, my first ultra marathon was last year. I wanted to do it for my 30th birthday, so that was another really cool accomplishment. I was out there for another very long time. Got some blisters on my feet on the second loop, so had to slow down a little, but we got it done and that was another huge feeling of accomplishment for me. And yeah, just like any, I think of those races where you're kind of going out of your comfort zone and trying something for the first time and, um, like just accomplishing that goal and and showing yourself that you can do it, I think is is like something for me that's more rewarding than just like winning Um and yeah, like that's. That's probably been like some of my my favorite moments.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I can definitely relate to that. I I remember in 2019, I did my first 70.3, it was, uh, Texas 70.3. And, um, it was the exact same experience, Jasmine. I didn't really understand how, how, yeah, what.

Speaker 2:

I was getting myself into even though Galveston's a very triathlon or triathlete friendly race, especially beginner Um, but I had my mom and my sister there and my husband and we all drew, drove down from uh, kansas and it turned to be this week long just a great time being in that presence. And then on the day you know, I think I came in at like seven hours and 30 minutes.

Speaker 1:

Wow, that's amazing yeah.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I did it, I exactly, and I remember we had this long lineup before we jumped off the pier to start and there were people that, unfortunately, were like just freaking themselves out.

Speaker 2:

Some of them would break down crying and and then, you know, not be able to start, and I'm just thinking my whole, you know, way up there. I'm like I just want to be able to to finish this Right and I want to be able to get through this and and, honestly, it was such an epic day and experience and it was like the first um, first time I had been in a position like that, where the odds were against me, if you will, but, um, I got, I stuck it out. I got sunburned from head to toe.

Speaker 2:

And yeah yeah, it was. It was one of those like weekend or moments, if you will that I look back on it fondly, because there's so many things that happened that make me smile, even the sunburn, I'm like well. I learned that day I need to put sunblock on and transition.

Speaker 2:

But it was just one of those things Like I remember running through the finish line and throw my hands up in the air and not giving a crap about my time, just being happy I finished it and my mom and sisters crying and stuff. It was just awesome.

Speaker 1:

Right, that is. That is so sweet. Yeah, like it's just so special to be able to share moments like that with like close friends and family too, so I'm I'm glad you had that there, that's like that's so special. Oh, those like first time feelings, man, we need to bring that back.

Speaker 2:

Yes, Agreed, Agreed, and and I love that you have a unique position being, um, the founder of your business and and having so many athletes that you're impacting that you, and having so many athletes that you're impacting that you I'm sure you get to see that a lot with with your folks, that that first time uh experience of crossing their first finish line and and celebrating and getting to see their the start of their journey, and then here we are at the end and uh, or maybe even a new beginning, Right, so it's just, it's really cool.

Speaker 1:

I'm sure you have a lot of, uh, different stories, unique experiences, Like my, so it's just, it's really cool, I'm sure you have a lot of different stories, unique experiences, Like my favorite thing to see, like even more so than my own accomplishments, just seeing my athletes achieve that. And a lot of them are like, oh, I don't know if I can, I don't and I'm like, yes, you can.

Speaker 1:

And you can, you'll go out there and you'll do it. And then they do it and they're like whoa, I did it and I'm like I know, like I'm not surprised you shouldn't be either. You like we worked hard for this um. I had an athlete um this season who did her first marathon full marathon, her first ultra marathon and her first swim run world championships in Sweden all in one year and she and she did a back-to-back swim run race and placed first in both of them.

Speaker 1:

Like like training, just training for worlds, and she was not sure if she could do it and we like I, you know I worked really hard on her plan and her, you know like we made sure to keep a close watch on everything. She did it no injuries, not really many like physical setbacks, like she just did so phenomenally well this season. It was amazing and she's been with me for like four, I think, three or four years now, and it's like really amazing when I can see, like my athletes like accomplish goals like that where, like a few years ago they couldn't even imagine doing any of those and now they're just like, oh, I just did that in one season, like that's amazing.

Speaker 2:

Yes, oh, that is a heck of a transformation, yeah.

Speaker 1:

Wow.

Speaker 2:

So I wanted to ask you we did kind of do a little bit of reframing earlier, but have you had to reframe your idea of success after such such thing as an injury or setback or even a disappointing race, and how did that experience shape your perspective?

Speaker 1:

For me. I actually, yeah, I was injured for like a year and a half where I couldn't bike or run at all. I was able to swim a little bit, um, but it was so difficult, it was like a back injury. I was in a ton of pain, um, so it took a while to recover, um, and honestly, I was so burnt out, I think, from racing that at first I didn't miss it at all. So I was kind of like, whoa, this is weird.

Speaker 1:

But then that's also the same time when I was starting the team, getting everything going, so I was busy doing you know other things, like helping out my athletes, being like their number one Sherpa whenever I could, and like I love dancing, so I'd always just be on the sidelines dancing at the races. So I I kept myself busy however I could. And then when I was like clear to get back into training very slowly, like I got a coach obviously because I don't trust coaching myself coming back from from injury, um, and regulators off and this and that kind of went out the door Like, yeah, like someday I'd like to maybe qualify for 70.3 worlds or you know, like if I ever do get to a podium at like the local race is great, but it's not really my priority anymore.

Speaker 1:

My priority is just getting to the start line healthy like as as ready as I can be and and just ready to have some fun. So I think that's kind of like where everything shifted for me post injury and just so much more gratitude for being able to do this stuff. Cause man, when it got fully taken from me, even though at first I was like, ah, it's fine, I could use a break after like that first year, I was kind of like, okay, I I'm kind of over this, I want to get back out there, but is my back going to get better? So it was, yeah, just definitely like shifted a lot of things for me and, um, even though it was a tough period of my life, like I, I think it really brought like this really nice balance that I needed. Um, it was great um, in the long run, I.

Speaker 2:

Back injuries too are just so debilitating. Uh it, and to be out for a year and a half, I'm sure that was very difficult, yeah it was.

Speaker 1:

It was tough, but I think it made me a lot stronger and it made me a lot more in like intuitive of my body, Like I like actually listened to my body more with the days that I'm more fatigued or you know, like uh, just if I'm feeling pain anywhere, like my recovery, I'd take my recovery so much more seriously, like a lot more strength training, a lot more like mobility, work, massages um sleep, Like have you?

Speaker 2:

are you in coach rich talking Cause? This is exactly what he gave to me. I'm doing, I'm right in the middle of a three week reset because I've had similar things. Thankfully, I'm not injured, but I, my recovery has not been. I've been just going steadily too hard for a while now and, um, I, I feel for that, I, I feel like that was, it was exactly what I needed to kind of snap me out of. Uh, just continuing to grind without any respite, yeah.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, exactly Like just having. I mean, I think the recovery is just as important as the training and with our busy, light lives and lifestyles it's not always easy to get Like. Obviously, in a perfect world we would get a certain amount of sleep every night. We would have like the best nutrition, nutritious meals lined up for ourselves throughout the day.

Speaker 1:

We'd have time to use our Norma Tech boots and get like a massage. Like all these pros have to do so much stuff to keep their bodies in order. And then, which is amazing, that they have that like you stuff to keep their bodies in order and then, which is amazing that they have that like you know kind of at their disposal. And then for us age groupers, we have all this stuff going on and it's not always the easiest to have the time or access to that, so we have to work a little, a little bit more diligently to make sure we can get that in. Actually, the biggest thing for me, aside from the recovery, was the strength training. Yeah, I really started taking way more seriously because I was like, oh, I need to make sure my body is strong before I can go long. So that's my favorite little like phrase. But yeah, oh, that's so great.

Speaker 2:

I would love to lean into that a little bit more. So when you talk about strength training, can you, can you, share a little bit about your journey using strength training to recover your injury and then being able to carry that into your triathlon sports specific training um to make that work for you?

Speaker 1:

Yeah, like for me, because of my back, I have to do a lot more um work to make sure that the proper muscle groups are firing so that it's taking that pressure off my back. Um, so like doing a lot of exercises to not only strengthen but make sure my hips and glutes are like properly activating, um core work, like a lot of like for swimming, like some upper body work, like for the lats, and um strengthening, like doing a lot of mobility and stability work, like some balance work and kind of short burst things to make sure I can like really properly hold myself together when I'm running and doing like holding all the positions for for a long time. So for me it's really important to make sure I'm doing all of that At least twice a week. I ended up hiring a strength trainer because I am a lazy triathlete and I will not do the strength. I will skip it.

Speaker 1:

I don't really, I don't necessarily particularly enjoy it, so I need somebody there to make me enjoy it and make me do it and I think, like making sure I do everything properly, because I don't want to do it wrong and not even end up strengthening the muscles I'm trying to strengthen. Yeah, targeting the wrong, yeah, exactly. Like strength has never been like my forte. I very much trust my athletes to do it, but it's not like I'm not necessarily like a strength coach. So, like for me, having like a strength coach watching over everything I do is super important and like like.

Speaker 1:

We have a partnership with evolution physical therapy in the area where they do like um a strength and conditioning class specifically for triathletes and runners that some of our athletes go to. So I think it could be anything, whether it's one-on-one strength training or like a group class kind of tailored for endurance athletes. I think is like is a game changer for for athletes out there. Yeah, big time.

Speaker 2:

So yeah, highlights that important uh strategic partnership too with the, the folks that are uh within that field, and yeah, that's really great that you have that.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it's like been a huge like addition to the, to the team and to our athletes to have access to that. We even have like monthly, um kind of like strength plans that they've written us for like a year um that our athletes can follow if they can't make it to the class. So it's like amazing to have that resource, because I I use that sometimes too. If I'm traveling and I want to still get some strength work in, I'll use the plan, cause I'm like, okay, you need to stay on top of the strength.

Speaker 2:

No more no slacking.

Speaker 1:

This back problem needs to stay, stay away.

Speaker 2:

Yes, Keep it at bay. Yes, yes, Jasmine. What role does overcoming fear whether it's fear of failure, fear of the unknown or even fear during a race play in how you define success?

Speaker 1:

Fear is a tough one Cause I think I think we all feel fear up to a certain extent, and I think it's just like what we choose to do with that fear.

Speaker 1:

Do we let it like kind of haunt us and and stop us from doing things, or do we let it kind of fuel us and drive us to to explore it more and and and give it a shot and just go out there and you know, like not letting it hold us back, but instead letting us be a driving force forward? I think that's kind of what I use fear to do during a race. It's like you know, there's so much, so many unknowns and all we can do is control the controllables and then whatever else gets thrown at us, we just have to do our best to to kind of problem solve and and work around it, and there's never going to be a race that's like just flawless and perfect. There's always going to be things that come up that we have to kind of like combat and deal with. So um, I think, instead of um. I think it's okay to feel fear, but I think um just making sure that it doesn't consume, consume us and like it, and instead is like more of a?

Speaker 1:

um, it's like more of like the fuel to your fire, I think is um yeah, I feel like that's kind of more how I look at fear, because I'm like Ooh, this, this like new challenge, kind of scares me, like I'm not, I'm not sure what's going to happen, but I love it, let's go, like let's, let's just it's like.

Speaker 1:

It's like, you know, when like uh, like I'm thinking about tennis, because I've I'm a huge tennis fan but if it's like an underdog playing like one of the top, like players, yeah, like one of the top three players in the world, they've got nothing to lose. They can go out there and just give it their all and absolutely and that's they'll either win, or if they lose, then that's what they were expected to do anyway. So it's like when, when we feel that fear, it's kind of just going into it more with that mentality, like I'm just going to give it everything I have, and like, uh, sometimes our fears can be broken down and be like oh, wow, like I can't believe I was actually scared of that, like now that I have done it or accomplished it or thought about it some more, it's actually not that bad. And like you kind of always feel like that after you kind of overcome your fears and but I think that it's not a bad thing to feel.

Speaker 1:

I think that it's a normal thing, like fear and nerves, and we just have to learn how to cope with it and use it to like as a moving force forward.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, that reminds me I, I, I listened to Dr Lane Norton, who is a really great nutritionist, like just kind of a pivotal player in the health, health coaching, and he is a world champion power lifter and, yeah, just just a big, big dude and, uh, very intimidating at times but he'll, he talks about fear in the, in the way that, um, and, and especially when it comes to, like, pre-race jitters or pre-competition anxiety and stress, and he'll, he'll, the way he frames it is his body is literally preparing him for optimal performance. The adrenaline's going. That's a good sign. Like you, it's a. It's a sign that you care. You care about your performance, you care about showing up, you care about doing the absolute best.

Speaker 1:

And.

Speaker 2:

I think about it Like when I have to get up in front of people and speak, I get like sweaty palms and I start to shake and thankfully I haven't vomited. But uh, I just now I think about what he said and and how, when I feel that fear, when I feel that anxiousness, like no, this is your body priming you to perform extremely well. Like your brain is firing your muscles are firing your, your body is tuning into what it needs to do to act in the moment.

Speaker 2:

And I just love that idea because it takes away the. It takes away that fear of failure for me, cause it's like at this point, no, I'm ready, I'm going to do the best that I absolutely can If, even if I do quote fail, um, I have everything I need to to accomplish something, um to be proud of.

Speaker 1:

I love that. Yeah, that's that's so powerful right there. Um, I think, yeah, more people need to like kind of view it and approach it that way, and we'd have bodies ready. Yeah, we'd have like some some fierce people out there.

Speaker 2:

Yes, let's crank that edge it up. We can share that, jasmine. We'll share that um. Turn that fear into your optimal. Your engine is running.

Speaker 1:

So yeah, I love that.

Speaker 2:

Yes, is running, so I love that, yes, Um. So what other ways has triathlon taught you skills or lessons that have helped you thrive in in those other areas of your life? I mean, you have a lot of accomplishments, Jasmine, a lot. You're young, too, like you're just crushing it, and I would love to hear how you've melded uh triathlon into not only uh, your coaching business, but your community service and and the things that you're doing that are just so, um, selfless. I would love to hear how they kind of interplay on each other.

Speaker 1:

Oh yeah, it's like, it's definitely I feel like opened up like a whole new new world and community for me, me and after I just kind of saw how like, um, you know like how at home I felt like when I like found kind of like my people in the tri world, I was like, wow, I want, I want more people to feel this like everywhere, like everyone should feel this and um, so like, yeah, I've, I feel like that's kind of what I've encompassed with my team. Um, I want everyone to feel like just so included and supported and kind of like we're more of like a chosen family, you know, like versus, just like um doing triathlons together. Like I want us to genuinely like be friends and build connections. Um, I love doing that with the um Achilles kids. Like I've been volunteering with the same families for I think, like eight or nine years now and it's just been such a special experience for me getting to know them and their kids are so special Like they have all different types of disabilities but we like open up this safe space for them to come and, you know, be together and bond with each other and get them outside and active and, um, you know, like signing them up for races that we could guide them through and just like really like, yeah, create this like really beautiful, um uh like place for everyone to come together. Um. So it's been like really nice kind of um molding that all together.

Speaker 1:

And then now being at UCLA for for uh, my MBA, like I've uh joined like the student council and like the um I'm one of the new like directors of wellness for their outdoor adventure clubs.

Speaker 1:

So I'm gonna like try to, you know, kind of integrate this like in a school setting as well.

Speaker 1:

So I really wanna, um, yeah, like I just my biggest goal is to like not only like meet as many people as I can, but bring together as many people as I can, because I think that's really the bread and butter of life, is like seeing just this genuine human connection and and growth from there. So that's just what I truly love the most. That's actually what I love about TriDot the most, too, because I feel like it's introduced me to people like you and this amazing supportive coaching community that I felt so alone as a coach for so many years and I was like it's such a cutthroat competitive environment sometimes, and Tridot has completely changed that yeah, so it's been like agree yeah, so it's been so just yeah like uh, um, refreshing to be a part of, and like for myself even like a part of an inclusive community like that that embodies like a lot of the same ideals that that I do and introduce me, introduces me to amazing people like you and our entire coaching group.

Speaker 1:

So, yeah, I just love anything that that like makes you feel warm and welcome and included. That's my, my big thing, for sure.

Speaker 2:

I think my heart just grew two sizes bigger listening to you, jasmine. Yeah, you hit it on the head Just. I mean I love that you are tapped into not only with Tridot but, um, with UCLA and with, uh, achilles, like that is. I mean there's so many great ways that you are being a positive impact player in your community.

Speaker 2:

And I love that we get to highlight that today, because you're just a phenomenal person and just I feel very blessed to have you in my life and I was going to tell you you can't get rid of me now, kid.

Speaker 1:

So, trust me, I'm more than happy. So I like I really truly wish I had a mini April on my shoulder every day. That would make me so happy. But yeah, like I know, we're going to have a lot of fun times and adventures ahead, so very looking forward to it.

Speaker 2:

Good, good. Well, I want to ask you what advice would you give to athletes who are struggling with feeling unsuccessful despite their hard work and effort? How can they begin to redefine what winning really means for them?

Speaker 1:

I think finding a honestly like a community of people that will support you and make you make you feel successful and like make you help like, help you like believe in yourself more.

Speaker 1:

I think is important because we'll get in our head all the time Like there's.

Speaker 1:

It's almost impossible to like not get into our own heads, but then when you have other people kind of snapping you out of it and being like no, like you're doing amazing, you're doing this.

Speaker 1:

And being like no, like you're doing amazing, you're doing this and that like, and just kind of pushing you and motivating you and inspiring you, I think that's something amazing that people can do to kind of get out of that feeling of being like feeling unsuccessful. Um, that's what at least works really well for me. It's when I surround myself by, by the right people who make me like show me that I am successful and make me feel successful, versus there are some people you could be around that might not necessarily do that, that can try to bring you down and make you feel even worse. Um, so yeah, it's about like really finding your right tribe and the people that you trust um to kind of keep pushing you, cause I don't know many people who can do this sport for a long time like fully by themselves, like it's always like very community driven. So I think like that can be the the thing that makes you feel the most like accomplished and is just doing what you love around the people you love.

Speaker 2:

So yeah, that's such a great point, this sport especially. I think that the people that you have around you can absolutely make or break your longevity in this sport.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, exactly Like I've seen some people fade out quick because they don't find that right community or people that keeps them like motivated and going, and then I've seen people that stay in the sport forever because they've made their lifelong friends through it and I think that that's one big part of like the kind of lifestyle piece that comes into the sport. It's not just the swim, bike and run kind of lifestyle piece that comes into the sport. It's not just the swim, bike and run, it's the yes, it's like the group rides and the the like weekend training camps together and like and the escape rooms.

Speaker 1:

The escape rooms and the team races, and like the holiday party, like you know all the things like it's so much more than just like, oh, I'm gonna go do my bike and then come home and then that's it, like. It's like we, like you know, like offer so much and like I, I love seeing people a part of all these different teams and clubs and different coaches and and everything, and it's just like, oh, like this is what we need, just more people supporting, supporting one another.

Speaker 2:

So yes, well said. Um, this has been a wonderful interview, coach Jasmine. I do have one last question for you and I can't wait to hear your answer, but how do you define greatness?

Speaker 1:

That is a tough one, but for me, I think truly, it's about just like hard work and determination, like there's nothing that beats great, like, yes, some are maybe naturally born with greatness, um, but I think there are also those that have to work really hard, yeah, at it, but with that proper, um, dedication, and like grit and determination, they, they can get there. Um, just as easily, um, and I think that that's what really defines. It is like being really committed to something and putting in the work and not just wanting it handed to you on a silver platter. Like you really have to like put in that time and energy and effort if you want, if you really want something. So, um, yeah, I think that's what I would define as as greatness.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, that's uh, I I agree with you. I think that, um, I mean, studies have shown that the grit factor is typically the number one predictor of whether or not someone will achieve their goals. And I'm not saying that you put so much effort into it that you're killing yourself. But when you look at the difference between those who have high success and a high level of achievement, it's not necessarily talent. That is the thing. The factor that pushes them to the edge is more often, how much determination, how much, um, willingness to go to those places do they have to to seek, uh, to seek that end, or to seek that end, state that they're looking for.

Speaker 2:

And I mean that's across the board. Whether or not it's triathlon, whether it's education or it's being an astronaut, right, right, all the things usually come down to how much, how much determination does that person have to not give up, to continue to press toward the mark, to continue to press toward what they want, to achieve? That?

Speaker 1:

makes that, that difference have you seen that one movie? It it's like the race car drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt. I think it was no, but I'm putting it on my list. Yeah, it's.

Speaker 1:

I forgot the name of the movie, but it shows like they're both kind of on two extremes. Like James Hunt was very like like he was the more talent one, whereas Niki Lauda was very like, uh, like um, he was the more talent one, whereas Nicky Lauda was the like very structured and and like driven one. Both again on two very opposite extremes. I think having a little balance is good, but at the end of the day it showed like, yeah, james Hunt won his one world championship and then kind of petered out, disappeared and like got into like some not great things afterwards, whereas nikki lauda went on to keep racing and winning and accomplishing, you know like all of his goals and and living like a much um like healthier lifestyle, like after, even after he finished racing, um. So it was kind of like interesting for me to to watch something like that, like two very obviously um like dedicated athletes, but just very different, different approaches and the longevity.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, exactly Very different. And, um, yeah, like I think just really finding like having a routine and and sticking to it, like I think that's been my biggest thing, is like having that really nice routine that I follow day in, day out, but also giving myself time to travel, explore, live life. Like I think we get so caught up in the tri world Sometimes we're like, oh yeah, I can take like days off and go, go to Europe and not do a race or go somewhere. So, yeah, finding that, that balance I think is important for sure.

Speaker 2:

So yeah, I think you uh highlighted a really important part of that is the the difference between being kind of a flash in the pan and someone who is can stay in the boil right, or or the the tissue on a fire versus a log that can stay.

Speaker 1:

yeah, keep the fire going uh, and definitely uh finding the right harmony, if you will, for for having that longevity, um exactly, yeah, I agree, it's so like longevity is everything, and I feel like it's oftentimes overlooked and something that, like we just need to, like it's good to live in the now and be present, but also like to think about the future and what's going to like help you thrive down the line too so.

Speaker 2:

You're speaking my language.

Speaker 1:

I love it. It's been like the best, the best time, and I like love hearing so many of your experiences too. I feel like I've learned so much, even for myself to take with me Kindred spirits.

Speaker 2:

Yes, this has been fantastic. Coach Jasmine, thank you so much for being here today. It's been an honor and a privilege to share your story, to learn more about you, to know, um, just how authentic and wonderful you are. So thank you so much.

Speaker 1:

Thank you, April. This was honestly like an honor and and a huge like privilege and I could not be more more grateful, and you're just such like a light in this world and I am, I'm so grateful to know you and and have this opportunity. So thank you, yeah.

Speaker 2:

Well, we quit quite fancy love swimming right. Yes, we we quite do, we quite fancy it. That's an inside joke for us. Uh, uh, tried out pool school. Uh, especially our lady lane. Shout out to the lady lane from Boulder. Especially our lady lane. Shout out to the lady lane from boulder.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, so I had to throw that in there, but thank you again. Yeah, it was. It really was, um. So that wraps up episode 13 of the grit to greatness endurance podcast.

Speaker 2:

Today's conversation was a powerful reminder that success in triathlon and in life isn't always defined by a podium finish or the time on a race clock. It's about the personal battles we overcome, the fears we conquer and the strength we discover within ourselves along the way. So, whether it's crossing the finish line after a tough race, facing adversity head-on, or simply showing up to train on days when you'd rather not, or simply showing up to train on days when you'd rather not, these are the real victories. And remember, success looks different for everyone. For some it's about reaching a personal best. For others it's about finishing a race that they never thought possible.

Speaker 2:

But what we've learned today is that the greatest win comes from knowing you've given your all, embraced the journey and grown stronger from the experience. So, as you continue your own endurance journey, I encourage you to take a moment to redefine what success means to you. It may not always come with a medal, but the grit and resiliency build will be the true reward. So thank you for tuning in, thank you again to Coach Jasmine, and if you found this episode inspiring, share it with your fellow athletes or anyone who needs a reminder that success is about more than just winning. And until next time, keep pushing those limits, celebrate those victories and continue to create your great.

Speaker 1:

Thank you, thank you.