Running Against Time with Jeffrey Weiss
Running Against Time: Lessons in Transformation, Resilience, and Joy
The Fire That Fuels Transformation
At Run Tri Bike, we believe endurance sports are about more than splits, watts, or podiums. These sports are about discovering who you are when the miles stretch long and the comfort zone fades away. That belief takes center stage in the latest episode of Fireside Chat, hosted by Jason Bahamundi, featuring author, entrepreneur, and endurance athlete Jeffrey Weiss.
From Israel to Arizona, from Ironman start lines to the blank page of his book Racing Against Time: Ironman, Ultramarathons, and the Quest for Transformation Midlife, Jeffrey’s journey is proof that growth, grit, and gratitude are available at any age.
Finding Your Why: From Health to Purpose
When Jeffrey laced up his first pair of running shoes at 48, it wasn’t about chasing a medal but rather it was about chasing better health. A former skier and lifelong adventurer, he knew something was missing. That “something” became running, and with every step, it sparked transformation.
What started as a goal to improve his cardiovascular fitness evolved into a midlife awakening. He wasn’t just training for races instead he was training for life. His message resonates with every athlete who’s ever looked at the mirror and thought, It’s time for a change.
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The Stories That Inspire Us All
During the Fireside Chat, Jeffrey credits endurance legends like Dean Karnazes and Rich Roll as sources of early inspiration. Those stories, he explains, didn’t just push him to run further, they helped him believe that struggle can be a starting point.
Storytelling, as both Jason and Jeffrey agree, is the heartbeat of endurance sports. Every runner, triathlete, or cyclist carries a narrative of perseverance. By sharing those stories, we remind each other that endurance is a universal language and it is built on shared miles and mutual respect.
When Failure Becomes the Finish Line
One of the most powerful moments in the conversation is Jeffrey’s reflection on running the Comrades Marathon in South Africa. This is a brutal test of body and mind. He speaks candidly about hitting walls, facing doubt, and confronting the mental battles that define endurance athletes.
But he also emphasizes the beauty of failure. Each setback became a stepping stone toward resilience. In his words, “The hardest miles teach us the most about patience, humility, and perseverance.”
This is the mindset that makes running transformative. It’s not about avoiding pain; it’s about understanding what it teaches you.
Endurance and Entrepreneurship: The Same Race
Jason and Jeffrey explore the parallels between endurance sports and entrepreneurship and it’s uncanny. Both require consistency, adaptability, and a willingness to fail forward. Success in both arenas isn’t about shortcuts; it’s about showing up when no one’s watching.
If you’re grinding through mile 23 of a marathon or building a dream from the ground up, the principles are the same: resilience, patience, and purpose. As Jeffrey puts it, “You have to hold both urgency and patience and that’s where growth happens.”
Keeping the Fun in the Run
Of course, not every mile needs to be serious. Before wrapping up, Jason and Jeffrey lighten the mood with a rapid-fire food fight such as favorite candy bars, pizza toppings, and guilty pleasures. The conversation is a reminder that while endurance training demands discipline, joy is just as important.
Because at the end of the day, if you’re not having fun, you’re missing the point. The journey, not the finish line, is what we’ll remember most.
Embracing Your Next Chapter
Jeffrey’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to start again.
The key takeaway from this Fireside Chat? Transformation isn’t about age or ability. It’s about mindset. The willingness to show up, to learn, to fall, and to rise again.
So, lace up. Sign up. Step up. Your story is still being written.
Listen to the Full Conversation
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