AGFL Episode 144, Mike Consolini aka Backdraft

Colin and Danny Interview Top Gunz Tri Team Member, Mike Consolini. Mike discusses his experiences with Ironman races, noting his struggles with bike volume and the importance of feeling fresh. He shares a challenging six-hour training ride and the benefits of having a local training partner. He also talks about his background as a paramedic firefighter, detailing a humorous incident at a daycare fire. He reflects on his journey into triathlons, starting with a marathon in 2016 and his first Ironman in 2018. He opens up about her addiction struggles, starting with substance use in his late teens, and how his faith and family support have been crucial in his recovery and athletic pursuits. Ironman Training and Challenges Mike discusses his experience with Ironman races, expressing a desire to perform better but feeling he hasn't yet nailed it. Mike mentions watching an interview with Jan Frodeno and Gordon Ramsay, where Frodeno admits he only feels proud of a few of his races. Mike shares his struggle with the bike volume in his training, noting it as his strength but also a source of fatigue. Mike talks about a six-hour ride he had to do, which he found daunting due to his lack of mileage. Mike mentions having a local training partner who rode half of the six-hour ride with him, which was a significant advantage. Mike's Background and Career Mike introduces himself, mentioning her upbringing in Western Massachusetts and her involvement in various sports in high school. Mike explains his career path, starting as an EMT at 19 and later becoming a paramedic firefighter. Danny Royce inquires about Mike's dual role as both an EMT and a firefighter, and he explains the rotation system in his department. Mike shares a humorous anecdote about getting lost during a fire call, which led to him being jokingly called "Back Door." Mike describes the stress and unpredictability of his job, comparing it to the challenges of endurance triathlons. Transition to Triathlons Mike recounts his journey into triathlons, starting with his first marathon in 2016 and his first Ironman in 2018. Mike shares his initial confidence and the humbling experience of crashing his bike at mile two of his first Ironman. Mike discusses the lessons he learned from his first Ironman, including the importance of being prepared for unexpected challenges. Danny Royce and Colin Cook express their admiration for Mike's resilience and progress in his triathlon career. Mike talks about the support and encouragement he receives from his family, particularly his wife, who is also an avid triathlete. Addiction and Recovery Mike opens up about his struggle with addiction, starting with experimenting with substances in his late teens. Mike explains how his addiction began as a secretive habit, influenced by a family member who provided easy access to substances. Danny Royce and Mike discuss the concept of addiction as a disease, emphasizing the importance of treatment and self-responsibility. Mike shares his journey towards recovery, including the role of his faith and the support of his family and friends. Mike reflects on the parallels between his addiction and the challenges of endurance sports, highlighting the importance of mental strength and resilience.