Max Fennell is the first African American professional triathlete to earn his pro card. A former soccer player, Max stumbled upon the sport of triathlon in a coffee shop, of all places. After a year of racing, he was addicted.
He is also the CEO of Fenn Coffee which provides premium coffee to elite athletes, weekend warriors, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
In this episode, we delve into sports, entrepreneurship, archery and why he writes 10 goals each morning.
If you need inspiration for starting over, no matter your age, this episode is for you.
Episode Highlights:
His background in soccer
How a knee injury accidentally got him into endurane sports
Becoming a professional triathlete
The importance of writing down your goals
Running for State Office in Menlo Park
Why archery and hunting have a deeper meaning to him
Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness 👉🏾here. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form
People fall into endurance sports for different reasons. For Chris Tubbs, physical activity was badly needed to turn his life around.
He started training in his 40s and it has completely changed his attitude towards life. He says he’s like a ‘joyful volcano’ each time he hits the road.
In this episode, Chris shares how he got into endurance sports, triathlons in particular, why he founded the Houston Childhood Walk for Apraxia of Speech, and how an unexpected diagnosis changed he outlook.
If you need inspiration for starting over, no matter your age, this episode is for you.
Episode Highlights:
How Chris started endurance sports to turn his life around
Training for the triathlons and hiring his first coach
Overcoming mental blocks and imposter syndrome as a ‘new’ triathlete
Getting his PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Minnesota
Founding the Houston Childhood Walk for Apraxia of Speech.
Prostate cancer and the importance of regular screening in men above 40
The link between proper nutrition and performance
Guest Bio
Chris recently found joy in training for and racing endurance triathlons. He doesn’t have a strong background in athletics, and only found the sport when he hit a low point in his life. The training gave him focus and an outlet as he navigated becoming healthy again.
He grew up between Chicago and Los Angles, then moved to North Carolina to attend North Carolina Central University, an HBCU. After graduation, he served as a bartender before being accepted into the PhD program North Carolina State University. Although his doctoral road was long and hostile, he was successful in becoming the first African American to earn a PhD in Biochemistry in the history of the university.
Being a science nerd at heart, he’s had the joy and the fortune to be a part of the discovery and development of new drugs that now cure diseases and address serious unmet medical needs. He’s had the honor of founding the annual Houston Childhood Walk for Apraxia of Speech. He started the walk to be a resource that connects families and professionals that are supporting children who have to overcome this rare genetic disorder. He’s also an active member of the Houston real estate investment community.
Outside of work, the bulk of Chris’ time is spent training for triathlons. After a year and a half he completed his first full distance Ironman in November 2020 at IronMan Florida. A few weeks later he underwent radical prostatectomy as a consequence of a prostate cancer diagnosis that he received one month before the race. Ironman training prepared him well for the difficult road back to racing. Exactly 6-months after his surgery, he ran is 1st race (an Olympic distance) and got a 40 min PR! His physician says that he recovered way ahead of schedule. He’ll test himself again at Lubbock 70.3. and is now focusing on preparing for IMFL in November 2021.
Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness 👉🏾here.It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form
How far would you go to fight for your dreams? For Dillon Shije, running has always been a part of his culture and tradition and now he’s on a journey to become the first medical doctor in his community.
Dillon’s love for running and his Native American Community has literally taken him to the White house. He has been featured in the news, magazines and in a documentary
Life was not always has not always been great for Dillon. A dark time in his life led him to depression after suffering from injuries. Dillion shares why there is a need for mental health practitioners specializing in helping Native Americans, and others from diverse backgrounds.
If you need inspiration for chasing your wildest dreams, this episode is for you.
Episode Highlights:
The spiritual aspect of running
Becoming one of the top Native American runners in the country in high school
How resilience got him into the University of Colorado
Being honored at the White House and meeting President Obama
How a nerve impingement impacted his running career
Battling depression and seeking therapy
Using education as a tool to empower the community
His goal for young Native Americans in the country
Why he wants to be a doctor
Guest Bio
Dillon is a prior Professional Runner and Division I Cross Country National Champion (honored at the White House during the Obama Administration) and advocate for visibility for Indigenous Runners and Athletes. Dillon Shije is currently a Wilma Mankiller Fellow with the National Congress of American Indians specializing in Government Relations. He also serves the All Pueblo Council of Governors as a Health Policy Advisor to the 20 Pueblo Indian Tribes of New Mexico and Texas. Prior to this,Dillon was a Partner in an Impact Consultancy called Zia Impact. He is also the founding Board Member of Pueblo Development Commission. He is a Councilman and an enrolled tribal member and looks forward to a lifetime of serving his home community and relatives in all capacities. Dillon holds dual Bachelors degrees in History and Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado – Boulder and Pre-Med Postbaccalaureate work from the University of New Mexico.
Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness 👉🏾here. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form
One of my favorite things to do on this show is share parts of me. Some of my passions, struggles, fears, victories, there are just a few of the things I share.
I thought of the title of this episode after I had my last surgery. The plan was for it to be a story from that time of surgery until the time I completed my another full distance Iron Man triathlon following surgery. Things did not go as plans. While I was able to do a race, it was far from a full distance. Life does not always go as plan but I try to have joy in the journey.
So I’m going to tell you about my journey from injury, to my surgery, to a few other injuries to my first race post surgery.
If you have every had an injury, surgery, or a setback, you’ll feel encouraged by this episode.
Episode Highlights:
Injuring my left knee while ski racing
Knee surgery: How I prepped for surgery and the recovery period
Physical therapy and recovering
How I got another injury after my knee got better
Other associated injuries sustained during my recovery period
What being a patient has taught me
Why empathy matters to me as a physician
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com.
To subscribe and review use one links of the links below
Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness 👉🏾here. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form
Alphonso Nathan is a Sports Psychologist with a keen interest in supporting athletes particularly young athletes. He helps individuals deal with depression, anxiety, and anger management.
As a former football player and athlete, Alphonso found his calling in helping talents overcome the challenges that come with sports. He has found great success in his niche which he accredits to being relatable and staying up-to-date with current trends.
In this episode, Alphonso walks us through his upbringing, playing sports in school, choosing to pursue Psychology and how he helps his clients as a Psychologist.
You don’t want to miss this episode.
Episode Highlights:
What attracted Alphonso to the field of psychology
What is mental wealth and why everyone should embrace it
What is sports psychology
His passion for mentoring younger kids and teens
How athletes can overcome anxiety and burnout
Where you can find a sports psychologist or a general psychologist in your area
Alphonso’s advice on building confidence and being resilient
Guest Bio:
Alphonso Nathan is currently the Vice President of a Private Counseling Practice Brightside Counseling and the Co-Owner of a Psychiatric Practice-Brightside Medical Associates. Alphonso obtained his undergraduate degree in psychology at Bloomsburg University where he also was a multi-year starter and all-conference letterman on the Bloomsburg University football team. Alphonso then obtained his graduate degree in clinical and counseling psychology at Chestnut Hill College. Prior to college, Alphonso attended Milton Hershey School, a boarding school for at-risk youth.
Because of his versatile background, Alphonso has taken specialties in many areas. He helps individuals deal with depression, anxiety, anger management, and spectrum-based disorders. He serves as a Sports Psychologist. He is a motivational speaker, speaking throughout the United States. He is the co-author of an upcoming book for therapists with a desire to go into a private practice called “ Practice, Success: Steps for Building and Maintaining a Successful Private Practice.
JJames Crumlin is a well-known Nashville employment lawyer co-founder of Capitol Steps Workout in Nashville, Ironman Triathlete, and Triathlete Coach.
Encouraged by his mother, and following in his father’s footsteps, James says he wanted to be a lawyer for as long as he can remember. One of the proudest moments in his life was accepting the National Bar Association’s induction of his father into its Hall of Fame.
In this episode, James walks us through how he started his fitness journey. How he went from running a half marathon to completing Iron Man distance triathlons to coaching others to their finish lines.
You don’t want to miss this episode.
Episode Highlights:
What motivated James to practice law
How his parents have influenced him
The proudest moment in his life
Why he started running
How the Capitol Steps Workout in Nashville was born
The toughest competition James has participated in
James’ advice and why mental toughness is the key to winning in life
Guest Bio:
James legal counsel is regularly sought out by management on issues arising from the employment relationship. His experience includes union and non-union arbitration and all forms of employment discrimination litigation. In addition, he conducts in-house training sessions on compliance with the numerous federal and state laws affecting employers — from the Americans with Disabilities Act to the Fair Labor Standards Act to the Occupational Health
James concentrates his practice in the areas of labor and employment law, business and corporate law, litigation and dispute resolution, and entertainment and media law. As an active member in the Nashville community, James is committed to providing excellent legal representation for his clients.
In the area of entertainment and media law, he represents artists, songwriters, authors, managers, and producers in the production, ownership, marketing, and sale of creative works. He also represents television anchors/reporters in contract negotiations with local and national media outlets.
Awards
2016 Justice A. A. Birch Outstanding Service Award
Mid-South Super Lawyers
Forty Under 40, Nashville Business Journal, 2011
Young Leader of the Year, Young Leaders Council, 2010
Best of the Bar, Nashville Business Journal, 2009
45 Top Leaders Under 45, Tennessee NAACP, 2008
Nashville Emerging Leader Award for Law, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and 20/20 Leadership Alliance, 2007
James is very active in the Nashville community and a passionate nonprofit supporter. Among the organizations he has been involved with are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, and the Kelly Miller Smith Center Against Abuse Behavior. He is an active member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. James serves as trustee and was instrumental in the Project 2000 committee, which oversaw the construction of the church’s $17 million facilities.
In his spare time, James is a triathlete and runner, having competed in eight Ironman triathlons, five Ironman 70.3 triathlons, three marathons, and 20 half marathons. James also loves to travel. His favorite destinations are Rome, Italy, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, Miami, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands.
Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness 👉🏾here. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form
