Mission Kona Podcast
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 Podcast
#13 Stephanie Melkonian, Ironman Chattanooga 2022 5th 35-39
Stephanie Melkonian lives and trains in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is by no means new to Ironman. One might say she was not an overnight success in the sport - but what Stephanie DOES have is dedication, grit, and undeniable passion which FINALLY led her to earning that coveted Kona spot at Ironman Chattanooga in 2022.
Stephanie shares her journey - the ups and downs and the "almosts" - which created the path she was destined to follow. You may find many parallels to your own triathlon journey in her stories.
We also enjoyed hearing about the awards ceremony at Ironman Chattanooga where so many women were able to accept Kona spots for 2023. Stephanie shares that the room was full of energy and the women were SO excited. This is what it's all about - lifting up each other in sport and sharing in the joy of all the hard work day in and day out to reach dreams that were not possible until now.
Follow Stephanie's journey:
@iron_chipmunk
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!
