Alex Torres, an Ironman Triathlete, shares his journey of overcoming challenges and realizing his potential to become an Ironman. Alex started his athletic journey as the "runt of the Torres family," but through hard work and determination, he proved everyone wrong and accomplished his goal of becoming an Ironman.
One of the key pieces of advice that Alex shares is to never forget your "why." This is what will keep you motivated and inspired during the long and tedious moments of training. He also emphasizes that discipline and perseverance are essential in becoming an Ironman, but these qualities are anchored on your "why."
Another important point that Alex mentions is that you don't have to have the most expensive equipment to participate in a triathlon. He was once embarrassed by his lack of fancy gear, but he was reminded that it's all about the "engine," meaning the person themselves.
To sum it up, becoming an Ironman is achievable if you have the physical capability, financial means, and most importantly, the determination and commitment to see it through. Find your "why," stay committed, and never let anyone tell you that you can't do it. The choice is yours to cross that finish line and hear your name being called as an Ironman.
Episode Highlights:
Alex has completed multiple Iron Man races
Dreams of writing a book
Apologizes to younger self for past hurts
Believes everything is possible with effort
Encourages listeners to find their "why" and stay committed
Iron Man requires grit, determination, perseverance and discipline
Success depends on aligning all elements with your "why"
You have the choice to cross the finish line, whatever the distance
Guest Bio
Alexander Torres is a native of Gary, IN. Alumnus of Indiana University. He is a former member of the Horace Mann High School track & cross-country teams. He continued his running in the United States Army as a member of the Commander’s Cup Team.
Alex ran his first marathon in 2004, the Chicago Marathon. He has ran the Chicago Marathon every year it has been held since 2004. Alex is currently registered for the 2023 Chicago Marathon which will be his 19th consecutive Chicago Marathon. Alex first official race as an adult post military was the marathon distance.
In 2010, he decided to compete in his first Ironman race, Ironman Louisville. His first triathlon was the full Ironman distance. To date Alex has completed 14 full Ironman races. Alex is currently scheduled to race Ironman Coeur d’Alene 2023 and on tap to race in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI in 2024 after qualifying via the legacy program.
Professionally Alex is in the pharmaceutical industry as an Executive Institutional Representative in Grand Rapids, MI in the area of surgical anesthesia and heart failure.
He is a husband and father of 5 children.
Connect:
Connect with Alex Torres via Facebook
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
Please subscribe
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!