Glitter & Carbs: The Endurance Athletes Podcast

#18 From Paddle Coaching to Purpose: Why Aloha Athletics Is Evolving into a Mindset and Community Movement

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:03:37 +0000

This episode marks the next chapter for Aloha Athletics, one that’s been a long time coming.

In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the full story: how Aloha Athletics began, what it’s become, and why I’m pivoting from paddle coaching into something so much bigger, a movement rooted in mindset, growth, and community.

You’ll hear about:

The lessons endurance sports taught me about mindset and resilience
Why I’m shifting focus to the community building, Endless Aloha Challenge, and mental performance tools.
What inspired the rebrand from Training Chats to Glitter & Carbs
The vision for the future: bringing athletes together to do hard things, grow, and celebrate the process

Aloha Athletics has always been about endurance, growth, and heart. Now, it’s becoming a place where athletes of all kinds can connect, build mental strength, and do hard things together, on and off the water.

If you’ve been part of this community from the start, thank you for being here as we grow and evolve. And if you’re new, welcome this is where grit meets gratitude, and endurance meets aloha.

Mentioned in this Episode

Endless Aloha Challenge – Join the 2026 Challenge
Follow Aloha Athletics on Instagram for updates and mindset tools

#17 Chris Thomas: Fastest Known Paddle Paddling's Answer to FKT

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:51:43 +0000

Fresh off his solo victory at the Alabama 650, paddling legend Chris Thomas joins us to talk about building Fastest Known Paddle (FKP), the definitive database for paddling records and routes.

Chris is the founder of the Fastest Known Paddle website, which has become the go-to platform for documenting and celebrating paddling FKTs around the world. But he's not just building the platform he's out there setting records himself. From conquering the Yukon 1000 to his recent solo Alabama 650 win, Chris lives and breathes long-distance paddling. Chris is also the host of Dabbling in Paddlism, a podcast exploring all things paddling

In this conversation, we dive into:

What inspired him to create Fastest Known Paddle and how it's changing the paddling community
The physical and mental demands of ultra-distance paddling races
The overlap between endurance running, paddling, and other adventure sports

Connect with show host and guest:

Join the Endless Aloha Challenge, a year-long paddling event where participants aim to paddle 2025 miles throughout 2025, with milestone goals and monthly raffles. This community-driven challenge keeps paddlers motivated through all four seasons while celebrating achievements with badges, prizes, and the supportive spirit of Aloha.

#16: Maddi Leblanc - Saying Yes to Big Dreams

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:17:30 +0000

Saying Yes Before You Feel Ready: Maddi LeBlanc on Trust, Timing, and Chasing the M2O Dream

What happens when your dream opportunity shows up before you're “ready”?

When Canadian SUP champion Maddi LeBlanc got the chance to race Moloka’i 2 O’ahu, her dream event just two weeks before the start, she said yes.

In this episode, Maddi and I talk about what it means to trust your gut, embrace imperfect timing, and let sport ground you during life’s transitions. From journaling practices to mental training, this convo is for anyone navigating the space between readiness and risk.

In this episode:

How Maddi ended up at M2O with two weeks notice
How Maddi stayed grounded and adaptable in the face of uncertainty
Why sport became her anchor through personal change
Her mindset tools, including journaling and visualization
Letting go of perfect timing and trusting your inner “yes”

This is a vulnerable, inspiring episode about trusting your gut, answering the call, and letting sport be more than performance.

📲 Follow along on Instagram: @aloha.athletics @earthgrownlindsey @Maddi3Leblanc

🧠 Want to go deeper?

Join our free monthly Athlete Book Club for guided mindset work and journaling prompts
Show notes with action items to apply the lessons form this conversation

#15 Racing the Quit Monkey with Paolo Marconi: How to Outlast the Voice That Wants You to Stop

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:58:58 +0000

In this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics, Lindsey Tilton sits down with elite paddler and author Paolo Marconi to talk about the mental side of ultra endurance racing. Paolo shares powerful insights from his new book, Racing the Quit Monkey, which explores the inner voice that shows up when we’re deep in discomfort—and how to keep going anyway.

Lindsey and Paolo dive into the mindset tools that fuel high-performance athletes, including breathwork, yoga, and the mental strategies that help you overcome the urge to quit. They also reflect on their shared experience paddling 48 hours at Last Paddler Standing and how endurance sports teach lessons that extend far beyond the finish line.

Whether you're a stand-up paddleboarder, endurance athlete, or just someone looking to build more resilience, this episode will leave you with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to train your mind like you train your body.

Topics covered:

The Quit Monkey: what it is and how to outlast it
Lessons from SUP ultras and mindset breakthroughs
The role of breathwork and yoga in peak performance
Training for mental toughness, not just physical strength
Why purpose matters more than pace

Join the Aloha Athletics free community book club

#14 Reframing a DNF: The Mindset Shift Behind Letting Go, Moving Forward, and Growing Along The Way

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 19:55:59 +0000

In this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics, Lindsey Tilton dives deep into the rarely discussed topic of DNFs (Did Not Finish). She shares her personal story of not finishing the Suwannee 230 due to a head and neck injury and discusses the emotional and mental challenges that come with making the decision to stop. Lindsey reframes the concept of failure, highlighting how DNFs can lead to growth, resilience, and alignment with long-term goals. She emphasizes that true mental toughness is knowing when to push forward and when to step back, and urges athletes to celebrate hidden wins and make decisions that align with their bigger purpose. This episode encourages listeners to view DNFs not as failures but as opportunities for learning and growth

#13 What Athletes Get Wrong About Fueling (and How to Fix It)

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:34:02 +0000

Peak performance isn’t reserved for the pros — it’s for anyone bold enough to show up with heart, hustle, and intention.

In this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics, Coach Casey sits down with Dr. Jose Antonio, a leading expert in sports nutrition and co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, to break down the science of fueling like an athlete — without overcomplicating it. This one’s for the grinders, the early risers, and the weekend warriors chasing their next breakthrough. Dr. Antonio's advice is applicable for all athletes no matter your sport of choice.

Dr. Jose Antonio
The ISSN - Check out their upcoming sports nutrition conference coming June 2025
Sports Science Dudes Podcast:
@aloha.athletics
@Earthgrownlindsey
@Casey_Lynn_McCullough

#12 From Garage to Greatness: How John Meskauskas built Flying Fish Board Co.

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:55:19 +0000

In this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics, hosts Lindsey Tilton and Casey McCullough sit down with John Meskauskas, the founder of Flying Fish Board Co. John shares his inspiring journey from shaping his first board in a Florida garage to building a world-class paddleboard brand. They dive into the art of board shaping, the power of community, and why continuous improvement is key—whether you’re chasing a big race goal or building a business from scratch.

You’ll also hear valuable tips on board selection, the importance of time on the water, and how Flying Fish has become a major player in events like the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis. Whether you’re a paddler, entrepreneur, or simply someone with a big dream, this episode will leave you motivated to start before you’re ready—and keep pushing forward.

Show notes and journal prompts to take action

Connect with show host and guest

@flying_fish_board_co

@JohnMeskauskas

@aloha.athletics

@earthgrownlindsey

@casey_lynn_mccullough

# 011 Mastering Mental Toughness: Tammie Hampton on Preparing for the Kaua’i Channel

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 02:15:29 +0000

Tammie Hampton set out to make history as part of the first all-female team to paddle across the 85-mile Oʻahu to Kauaʻi Channel—one of the most challenging and least-attempted interisland crossings in Hawaiʻi. In this episode, Lindsey Tilton and Casey McCullough dive into Tammie’s journey, from the relentless conditions that forced her to pull out at mile 65 to the mindset that’s pushing her to try again.

Tammie also shares her experience earning the Iron Crusader title during the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis, where she battled extreme nausea for 16 straight hours but refused to quit. Her biggest lesson? We are all capable of more than we believe—the key is to take the first step.

Listen in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and what it really takes to push your limits.

Show notes and journal prompts to take action

Connect with show host and guest

@mamas_feelin_salty

@aloha.athletics

@earthgrownlindsey

@casey_lynn_mccullough

If you enjoy this episode, the best way to support the podcast is to share it with a friend! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tag us on Instagram @aloha.athletics with your biggest takeaway.

#010: The Pressure to Perform: Why Athletes Struggle with Mental Health (and What to Do About It)

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 01:29:38 +0000

In this episode of Training Chats, Lindsey Tilton and mental health expert Trevor Hanson of The Art of Healing by Trevor discuss the mental health challenges athletes face, from performance pressure to identity struggles and anxiety. They explore how these emotional hurdles impact athletes’ well-being and offer actionable strategies for coping. If you’re an athlete or someone who supports athletes, this episode provides valuable insights into managing mental health in sports. Tune in for expert advice on overcoming mental health struggles, prioritizing well-being, and thriving beyond the competition.

#009 What it Takes to Win: Inside the Mindset and Training of Katniss Paris

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 03:29:16 +0000

Are you wondering what it takes to be a world champion? In this episode of Training Chats, we sit down with Katniss Paris, a standout athlete who recently made waves at the ICF Sprint Championship. From international training to navigating career-defining challenges, Katniss shares her inspiring journey, including her gold-medal victory in the sprints and the resilience it took to get there. We dive into her training strategies, the mental toughness needed to overcome setbacks, and how adaptability has shaped her career. Whether you’re an athlete or just looking for motivation, Katniss’ story is a must-listen!

#008 Why Motivation Isn’t the Answer – And What Actually Works

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 22:20:53 +0000

Motivation is fleeting, but we’ve learned that discipline is the foundation of lasting success. In this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics, we dive into the key differences between motivation and discipline. We share why relying on motivation alone can derail your goals and offer practical strategies we use to build discipline, develop consistent habits, and stay focused in training, racing, and everyday life. Join us as we explore what really works to achieve peak performance and unlock your full potential.

00:00 Introduction to Motivation vs. Discipline

00:22 Defining Motivation and Discipline

01:08 Tips for Building Discipline

02:43 Setting and Adjusting Goals

08:41 Building a Consistent Routine

16:16 Finding Your Why

21:47 The Power of Accountability

30:14 Tracking Progress

Connect with Training Chats Hosts

Endless Aloha Challenge:

#007 Paddle NO SLEEP Repeat: Last Paddler Standing w Greg Wingo

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 02:40:53 +0000

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Greg Wingo, the visionary race director of the Alabama 650 and founder / race director of Last Paddler Standing. As a paddler, ultra-runner, and adventure travel leader through his company Roam Projects, Greg is no stranger to pushing boundaries. He’s also the mastermind behind the Bureau of Endurance Racing, further cementing his impact in the endurance sports world.

We dove into everything that makes Last Paddler Standing one of the most unique endurance events in the world, from its backyard-style format to the non-stop live stream coverage that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or someone dreaming of tackling an endurance event, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and plenty of behind-the-scenes details.

Learn how to tune in and experience the race live, accessible for free, and get insider tips on the most thrilling moments to watch. From the intense final laps to unforgettable highlights from past races, we discuss the family-like atmosphere that keeps paddlers returning year after year. Whether you're a competitor looking to set personal milestones or a spectator yearning for dramatic endurance battles, this episode promises to ignite your passion for paddleing

Tune in to Last Paddler Standing Live Stream:

00:00 Introduction to Last Paddler Standing

00:48 The Concept and Inspiration Behind the Event

02:05 Race Format and Evolution

06:00 Live Broadcast Enhancements

08:08 The Value of a Free and Accessible Live Stream

11:36 Viewer Tips and Exciting Moments

16:48 Memorable Highlights from Past Races

25:09 Looking Forward to This Year's Race

36:24 Encouraging Participation and Community

38:26 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Last Paddler Standing

Greg Wingo

Roam Projects

#006: Uncharted Waters: First Female to Stand Up Paddle the Great Alabama 650

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 02:22:51 +0000

In this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics, Lindsey Tilton, the first female to complete the Great Alabama 650 on a stand-up paddleboard, shares her experiences and motivations. Lindsey was the third person to ever finish the race on a stand up paddle board, with the races first stand up finish in 2023, and the first female to do so. She describes the 650-mile race across Alabama, detailing the challenges she faced, including managing limited sleep, navigating different water conditions like rapids and an unpredictable open water bay crossing, and encountering wildlife such as alligators. Tilton talks about her mental and physical preparation, teamwork with her crew, and the inspiration behind attaching her effort to the cause of women’s mental health. She emphasizes the importance of a supportive crew, the significance of mental strength, and the unexpected but impactful support she received from friends and followers. Her journey highlights themes of endurance, perseverance, and the impact of community and inspiration.

In a remarkable display of endurance, determination, and resilience, Lindsey Tilton made history as the first female stand-up paddler to complete the grueling Alabama 650 race. Spanning 650 miles across Alabama’s scenic waterways, this is the longest paddle race in the United States, pushing even the most seasoned paddlers to their limits.

A Journey Beyond Limits

Lindsey’s journey began with a pull from within, an unexplainable drive to challenge herself in a race where no female had dared to enter on a stand up paddle board before. Her love for long-distance endurance sports and a commitment to raising awareness for women’s mental health fueled her motivation. Having experienced anxiety during her college years and seen the impact of mental health struggles firsthand, Lindsey aimed to tie her incredible journey to a cause close to her heart.

Race Conditions: More Than Just A Paddle

The Alabama 650 is not just a race; it’s a test of physical and mental fortitude. Paddlers face a range of conditions—from calm, flat waters and the excitement of rapids to the daunting, unpredictable conditions of the Mobile Bay. Navigating these diverse water ways requires not only skill but also adaptability. This year’s race brought an additional challenge with tropical storms bringing 25+ mile winds and a threat to disrupt the course.

Overcoming Challenges with Heart

Lindsey’s preparation was as much about mental resilience as physical readiness. Her approach included visualization, journaling, and strategic planning, allowing her to adapt to unexpected challenges along the way. The race demanded strategic pacing, and despite being in the back of the pack, Lindsey remained focused on her personal goal of finishing, rather than competing for placement. To her surprise she wound up placing second place female.

Her physical endurance was complemented by the crucial support of her husband and crew, Jimmy, who managed the logistical and emotional demands of the race. Communication with friends and family back home through heartfelt letters and video messages provided an emotional boost, reminding her of the vast network of support that buoyed her efforts.

Encountering Nature’s Wild Side

Wildlife encounters were part and parcel of the Alabama 650’s adventure, with alligators, snakes, and other local fauna sharing the waterways. While such encounters added an element of risk and fear, Lindsey’s prepared mindset helped her navigate these moments with calm and composure.

A Community Effort

The impact of the Alabama 650 extends beyond the personal accomplishments. It was a community effort that highlighted the support and encouragement of coaches, fellow paddlers, and the race organizers. Lindsey’s achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished with passion, support, and determination.

Inspiration for All

Lindsey’s historic journey serves as an inspiration for everyone, reflecting the idea that with determination and support, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. Her completion of the Alabama 650 on a stand-up paddleboard is not just a personal victory; it’s a beacon of hope, showing that boundaries can be broken and milestones achieved, one paddle stroke at a time.

As Lindsey reflects on her journey, her story becomes a reminder that passion and perseverance are powerful forces, capable of creating not just personal success, but a ripple effect that inspires others to pursue their own extraordinary goals.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate Lindsey’s incredible achievement, we eagerly anticipate what she will tackle next. Her journey across Alabama’s rivers is more than a story of endurance; it’s a narrative of courage, community, and the pursuit of something greater than oneself. Through her story, Lindsey Tilton has not only made history but has also laid the groundwork for future pioneers in stand-up paddleboarding and women’s endurance sports. Tune into this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics to hear her story.

Connect with Training Chats Hosts

Endless Aloha Challenge:

#005: Paddling the Longest Paddle Race in the World: Yukon 1000 w/ Craig Sawyer

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:00:42 +0000

In this episode hosts Lindsey Tilton and Casey McCullough sit down with Craig Sawyer, an endurance paddler who took on the grueling Yukon 1000 — the world’s longest paddle race. Craig shares his journey of paddling a thousand miles through the wild Yukon wilderness, braving intense conditions, and testing the limits of mental resilience. But Craig didn’t just complete the race; he documented the entire experience, capturing the raw reality of such an extreme adventure for an upcoming self-produced documentary, Push Past Impossible.

Join us as Craig reveals the mental and physical preparation required for this daunting challenge, the highs and lows he faced on the water, and the powerful lessons he learned along the way. Whether you’re an endurance athlete, a paddling enthusiast, or simply curious about the power of resilience, this episode offers insights and inspiration to fuel your own pursuits. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond endurance, showing what it truly takes to face nature, and yourself, head-on.

Connect with Craig at

Connect with Training Chats Hosts

Endless Aloha Challenge:

For more content from Aloha Athletics head to Aloha-Athletics.com

#004: Get Race Day Ready with this 5 Minute Meditation for Athletes

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 02:37:06 +0000

Tune in to this brief pre race meditation to settle your nerves by focusing your awareness on your breath and utilizing mindful mantras to build confidence. You can utilize this meditation any time during your training cycle to help you get race ready!

This meditation was originally shared as part of Aloha Athletics Instagram series Training Tip Tuesday. Follow along for weekly training tips, motivation and more.

#003: Rylee Walker: Overcoming Adversity with Cystic Fibrosis

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:54:26 +0000

Rylee comes back to Training Chats to share how her 2024 attempt at being the first woman with Cystic Fibrosis to complete the 80 mile Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis went. The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis is an overnight 80 mile paddle from the Bimini Bahamas to Lake Worth Beach Florida that raises funds for the Pipers Angels Foundation. Each year approximately 200 paddlers attempt the journey.

#002: Alabama 650: Worlds Longest Annual Paddle with Brad Friesen

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 01:29:41 +0000

Brad Friesen walks us through preparation for the Alabama 650, the worlds longest annual river race. Brad completed the race in 2023 as one of the first to complete the race on a stand up paddleboard. Brad holds the course record for the Yukon 1,000 and is the race director of the Red River Paddle Challenge.

Brad's Instagram:

Red River Paddle Challenge

Alabama 650

Aloha Athletics Instagram

#001: Rylee Walker: Paddling from the Bahamas to Florida with Cystic Fibrosis

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 21:17:29 +0000

Welcome to our special two-part series featuring Rylee Walker, an extraordinary athlete and adventurer. Rylee is about to embark on a remarkable journey, paddling overnight from the Bahamas to Florida. What makes this trek even more inspiring is that Rylee is attempting to be the first woman with Cystic Fibrosis to make this solo journey.

In Part One of our series, we sit down with Rylee to hear her thoughts, emotions, and motivations as she prepares for this challenging adventure. She shares the preparations she's made, the challenges she anticipates, and the significance of this journey for herself and others living with Cystic Fibrosis. Join us as we dive into the mind and heart of this incredible woman on the eve of her departure.

Stay tuned for Part Two, where we'll follow Rylee's progress and hear firsthand about her experiences paddling through the night, facing the open ocean, and ultimately reaching her goal.