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
#18 Nick Modrzejewski, Ironman Florida 2022 6th 40-44
Nick Modrzejewski is a name you'll remember - perhaps have difficulty pronouncing (MA-JE-SKI) - but memorable indeed!
Nick resides in Champaign, Illinois, is husband to Amy, father to two, a Pastor at Illini Life, a triathlon coach at SuperFly Coaching, and a competitive age group triathlete.
He has completed Ironman Florida FIVE times with finishes in the top 10 of his age group each time. His best finish at Ironman Florida was in 2021 where he finished 2nd in the 35-39 age group- this after an incredible 1st place age group finish at Wisconsin in 2021 where he secured his spot to Ironman World Championships in Kona this past October 2022.
The Ironman Florida race has been a highlight race for Nick - one he likes to finish his season with. It's warm, flat, and fast! His race in 2022 may not have been all he hoped for, but with a finishing time of 9:49, it's one to be proud of - especially considering how he felt on race day, just coming off of Kona a few weeks prior, and a new baby at home! If you're considering racing this course you'll learn a lot from his Nick's experiences over the years.
One thing you cannot deny - Nick has a true love and passion for the sport of triathlon... "a good day is getting to swim, bike, and run." Simple as that. He shares how the pressures of a big goal can and DO weigh him (us) down; rather success is found when we let those expectations go and show up as our very best that we have to give on race day.
Follow Nick's training and racing on Strava, or reach out via Super Fly Coaching.
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!
