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MIKE REILLY Finding My Voice: Tales From IRONMAN, the World's Greatest Endurance Event
IRONMAN is a sports phenomenon that has come to symbolize the very best of human striving, achievement and excellence. And race announcer Mike Reilly is known throughout the endurance sports world as the “Voice of IRONMAN.”
Every year, over three hundred thousand people around the world compete in a series of long-distance triathlons that test the outer limits of their physical abilities and mental toughness. Some do it for glory, some to test themselves, some to honor lost loved ones or colleagues, some to bring healing to their troubled lives.
Over the years, hundreds of IRONMAN athletes have shared their tales with Reilly. In this book, he tells some of the stories that have touched and inspired him, in the hope that they will do the same for the reader.
A young woman races in a contest against cancer that threatens her life. A soldier carries a flag through the full marathon distance to keep alive the memory of fallen comrades. Two of the sport’s most decorated champions do battle in the greatest head-to-head competition ever seen in any sport. Parents put their family back together after the loss of a child.
Reilly has witnessed it all, and brings it to life in a series of riveting stories that will have readers re-thinking their notions of what people are capable of when pushed to their limits.
Every year, over three hundred thousand people around the world compete in a series of long-distance triathlons that test the outer limits of their physical abilities and mental toughness. Some do it for glory, some to test themselves, some to honor lost loved ones or colleagues, some to bring healing to their troubled lives.
Over the years, hundreds of IRONMAN athletes have shared their tales with Reilly. In this book, he tells some of the stories that have touched and inspired him, in the hope that they will do the same for the reader.
A young woman races in a contest against cancer that threatens her life. A soldier carries a flag through the full marathon distance to keep alive the memory of fallen comrades. Two of the sport’s most decorated champions do battle in the greatest head-to-head competition ever seen in any sport. Parents put their family back together after the loss of a child.
Reilly has witnessed it all, and brings it to life in a series of riveting stories that will have readers re-thinking their notions of what people are capable of when pushed to their limits.
236 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2019
76 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 9, 2022
Why I read this book… my youngest son Tyler is an Ironman. I watched him successfully complete Ironman 2019 in Mont-Tremblant Quebec with great pride.
My son told me to read this book to be uplifted because he said I read too many books that are depressing and sad which might be true but I will say I cried through out this book,reading about all the stories that many of these outstanding athletes have overcome to become Ironman.
It is truly an inspirational read.
With Covid (his family has had it twice) and the birth of his first child ( yup .. she is already taking swimming lessons and has her first balance bike) he has postponed signing up for his next Ironman but he is once again in training for sprints and half Ironman.
I loved this book because it was such a personal read for me. I am in awe of any endurance athlete.
My son told me to read this book to be uplifted because he said I read too many books that are depressing and sad which might be true but I will say I cried through out this book,reading about all the stories that many of these outstanding athletes have overcome to become Ironman.
It is truly an inspirational read.
With Covid (his family has had it twice) and the birth of his first child ( yup .. she is already taking swimming lessons and has her first balance bike) he has postponed signing up for his next Ironman but he is once again in training for sprints and half Ironman.
I loved this book because it was such a personal read for me. I am in awe of any endurance athlete.
June 11, 2019
I'm not an Ironman, but my husband is. So even though I don't have first hand experience, I have some background on the strength and mental toughness that you need to complete an Ironman.
If you are starting into triathlons and maybe eventually working up to an Ironman (2.4-mile (3.9 km) swim, a 112-mile (180 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.2 km) run) this is the book that you need to read. You'll have that extra motivation to sign up for that big race.
My favourite part was the personal stories. You had people who had no business doing an Ironman, doing an Ironman. Their stories will make you cry, laugh and feel inspired. My least favourite aspect was the writing. During some chapters, I wasn't sure of what the focus of the chapter was since it bounced around a lot.
Super excited that triathlon season is underway and can't wait to cheer on my husband in 2 weeks at 70.3 Mont - Tremblant!
If you are starting into triathlons and maybe eventually working up to an Ironman (2.4-mile (3.9 km) swim, a 112-mile (180 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.2 km) run) this is the book that you need to read. You'll have that extra motivation to sign up for that big race.
My favourite part was the personal stories. You had people who had no business doing an Ironman, doing an Ironman. Their stories will make you cry, laugh and feel inspired. My least favourite aspect was the writing. During some chapters, I wasn't sure of what the focus of the chapter was since it bounced around a lot.
Super excited that triathlon season is underway and can't wait to cheer on my husband in 2 weeks at 70.3 Mont - Tremblant!
September 2, 2019
My husband just did his 1st Ironman race; even though he's been training for a while I was not aware of Mike Reilly and his important role in this sport. His announcement once you cross the finish line, declaring you an Ironman, is revered. The book is filled with inspirational stories of people who have overcome hardship to complete an Ironman race, as well as insight into how he gained such notoriety in this role.
March 16, 2020
Great audiobook read by the author.
After completing this book, I don't want to participate in an Ironman race, I want to participate in an Ironman race announced by Mike Reilly.
Extremely motivational.
After completing this book, I don't want to participate in an Ironman race, I want to participate in an Ironman race announced by Mike Reilly.
Extremely motivational.
March 31, 2021
I don’t think I ever would have given this book a chance had I not been in the right place at the right time. My husband and I have never been to an Ironman event, let alone any type of endurance sporting event. My husband plays baseball, and we work. But I was at one of his games, reading David Goggins book, when Mike Reilly saw me reading it and said, “Hey, if you like that book you might find my book interesting, it’s a bunch of inspirational stories about the people I’ve encountered at various Ironman events.” (Or something to that effect, it’s been over a year). He told me the name of it, we parted ways, but I was on my phone ordering the book as we did so. I’m so glad he took the time to talk to me about it, and I’m so glad I listened. All that to say, darn you Mike Reilly. I only put the book down because I had to. It was indeed interesting, and pretty much every single story in the book made me cry.
Whether you’re into Ironman or not, this book is so great. I’m so thankful I read the book at this point in my life, and I can’t wait to read it to my kids.
Whether you’re into Ironman or not, this book is so great. I’m so thankful I read the book at this point in my life, and I can’t wait to read it to my kids.
September 1, 2021
Parts of this were inspirational, but mostly I found it part ad for Ironman and part just predictable and a little trite. There's no doubt that the people whose stories Reilly shares are incredible. Reilly just didn't do a great job of capturing that, though. Reilly himself seems convinced that the Ironman can cure all ills, and who knows, maybe he's right, but I remain unconvinced. I did find it interesting how sincerely Reilly values his job and believes he is critical to the event. I think that's great. I'm sure he would be a pleasure to meet and converse with.
As for the book, it's worth reading if you have a particular interest in Ironman, but I'd otherwise skip it.
As for the book, it's worth reading if you have a particular interest in Ironman, but I'd otherwise skip it.
August 3, 2019
I picked up this book and the Ironman Lake Placid expo. I had just completed my 12th Ironman. In the morning I gave Mike Reilly a high-five as I entered the water on the swim. At the end of a tough day I heard Mike Reilly say, "...you are an IRONMAN!" Many months of hard work and a very hard long day on the course were paid back in full, and more, when I heard that voice call my name.
I had my wife read paragraphs in the book. Those paragraphs explained, better than I ever have, why I put myself though this.
Thanks Mike.
I had my wife read paragraphs in the book. Those paragraphs explained, better than I ever have, why I put myself though this.
Thanks Mike.
January 4, 2020
I got a new friend after listening to this book!
I was on a 2 hour run and it was so boring, and I wouldn't have finished it if I weren't listening to Mike!
Looking forward meeting you in person Mike on a finish line!
I was on a 2 hour run and it was so boring, and I wouldn't have finished it if I weren't listening to Mike!
Looking forward meeting you in person Mike on a finish line!
October 15, 2019
I read this book per recommendation from a friend in my triathlon club. From the minute I read the first page I was hooked, and the book became a big part of my day to day life for the next week while I finished it. Everyone close to me probably remembers the week that I read it, because I could not stop talking about it. I challenge anyone to read this book and try not to be moved or inspired. I am new to the sport of triathlon and the Ironman race, so this book was kind of an introduction to the race and to Mike Reilly. I couldn’t have been more than 2 chapters in, when I started texting my friends to warn them that there is no longer any way I can go through life without attempting to be an Ironman someday. Every chapter outlined the most incredible journeys to the Ironman finish line. Each story was more intense and inspiring than the one before. This is not a book just for athletes. The messages of determination, perseverance, and triumph over life’s trials will resonate with anyone who picks up this book. The story of how Mike came to be the voice of Ironman is weaved throughout the book. I was in awe of how much work he puts in before race day to personalize each of the racers in his mind. Hearing his voice has become the carrot that dangles in front of so many triathletes as they push through the months of grueling training it takes to cross the finish line. Amazing book. I will continue to recommend.
April 7, 2022
Listened to the Audiobook read by Mike Reilly himself. It was entertaining and I though it gave an excellent overview of the history of Ironman. However, after a while, hearing story after amazing story of amazing individual got kind of repetitive and some awesomeness fatigue.
I think this would be a good book to pick up once a day and read one of the stories for motivation, but hearing so many in a row started to somewhat diminish some of them. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't think these people are amazing, it's just there was too much breadth and not enough depth. I know this was not Mike Reilly's intention, but it almost feels like they are were one upping each other. First there's a dude that does an IM without a leg, then someone without two legs, then someone without a leg above the knee, then someone without two legs above the knee, etc. Personally, I would love to read a memoir by each one of these amazing finishers and this book really just skimmed the surface of each of their stories.
I did enjoy the parts were Mike Reilly spoke more about his experience announcing and the challenges that present. He is clearly a really great guy and I recently learned that he will be the announcer at my first full Ironman event later this year. I can't wait to stop over that line and hear his signature call.
I think this would be a good book to pick up once a day and read one of the stories for motivation, but hearing so many in a row started to somewhat diminish some of them. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't think these people are amazing, it's just there was too much breadth and not enough depth. I know this was not Mike Reilly's intention, but it almost feels like they are were one upping each other. First there's a dude that does an IM without a leg, then someone without two legs, then someone without a leg above the knee, then someone without two legs above the knee, etc. Personally, I would love to read a memoir by each one of these amazing finishers and this book really just skimmed the surface of each of their stories.
I did enjoy the parts were Mike Reilly spoke more about his experience announcing and the challenges that present. He is clearly a really great guy and I recently learned that he will be the announcer at my first full Ironman event later this year. I can't wait to stop over that line and hear his signature call.
August 11, 2019
Outstanding book. I've done a few short triathlons and have no dream of doing an Ironman triathlon, but the stories the author (an Ironman event announcer) shares of what he has seen are inspiring.
My favorite was a Marine who was wounded in Iraq (2nd Battle of Fallujah, bloodiest battle for USMC since Hue City in Vietnam) and lost several members from his unit. He had survivors remorse, PTSD, was suicidal, abusing alcohol and cocaine, and overcame that through training for an Ironman.
Also many stories of athletes overcoming cancer, ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease), amputations, and life's many challenges to complete the event.
If you like sports at all, you'll love the book. It is well written and you can tell how much Reilly loves his job and the athletes. Must read for a runner, swimmer or cyclist, even if not a triathlete.
My favorite was a Marine who was wounded in Iraq (2nd Battle of Fallujah, bloodiest battle for USMC since Hue City in Vietnam) and lost several members from his unit. He had survivors remorse, PTSD, was suicidal, abusing alcohol and cocaine, and overcame that through training for an Ironman.
Also many stories of athletes overcoming cancer, ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease), amputations, and life's many challenges to complete the event.
If you like sports at all, you'll love the book. It is well written and you can tell how much Reilly loves his job and the athletes. Must read for a runner, swimmer or cyclist, even if not a triathlete.
December 30, 2022
Es una compilación de muchas historias que responden la pregunta ¿para qué hacer un Ironman? ¿por qué hacer un Ironman? y creo que es una respuesta muy personal: por disciplina, por amor al deporte, por una causa, para recuperar salud, para alargar la vida útil, para romper récords, para mejorar marcas personales, para ganar dinero... cada uno tiene una respuesta.
El triatlón, es un deporte que me acompaña muchos años; para mí el representante más especial es mi amigo Carlitos Castillo (QEPD) quien desde Chile promovió este apasionante el deporte hasta lo último de sus vidas. Recuerdo clarito cómo siempre me decía que podía dar más, que agradezca a Dios por la salud y tener un cuerpo que hace deporte y que disfrute el llegar siempre digna a la meta.
Larga vida a todos los triatletas de todo el mundo.
El triatlón, es un deporte que me acompaña muchos años; para mí el representante más especial es mi amigo Carlitos Castillo (QEPD) quien desde Chile promovió este apasionante el deporte hasta lo último de sus vidas. Recuerdo clarito cómo siempre me decía que podía dar más, que agradezca a Dios por la salud y tener un cuerpo que hace deporte y que disfrute el llegar siempre digna a la meta.
Larga vida a todos los triatletas de todo el mundo.
June 3, 2022
Wow. What an amazing testimony to the world of IRONMAN. Mike Reilly does an amazing job capturing the soul of each athlete’s story and presents it in a way where it hits you straight in the heart. I laughed and I cried so much while reading these stories. I don’t think I have EVER cried this much while reading a book. Some were tears of heartbreak but mostly tears of overwhelming joy and inspiration.
This is a MUST READ for anyone who is looking for an answer. I can’t tell you what the question is, but I assure you that somewhere in these pages you will find the answer you are looking for.
And WARNING, you may find yourself inspired to go out and do something amazing… maybe even sign up for and finish an IRONMAN!
This is a MUST READ for anyone who is looking for an answer. I can’t tell you what the question is, but I assure you that somewhere in these pages you will find the answer you are looking for.
And WARNING, you may find yourself inspired to go out and do something amazing… maybe even sign up for and finish an IRONMAN!
October 22, 2023
Well worth reading but as BOTH a long time IronMan racer and an FDNY firefighter who survived both collapses on 9/11 I wish Mike had talked more about the ‘community of pain’ athletes who like me, enjoy the sport not as a cure for trauma or physical injury but as a lifestyle that goes hand-in-hand with your identity. I ran my first marathon at 21 and finished my first IM at 23 and those achievements (I couldn’t believe I could go either until I stepped on the finish lines each time), empowered a sense that I could always be successful in life if I just put in the time and effort. My partner, Cynthia just finished Kona for the third time in three different decades and that’s worth celebrating because of what it says about triathlon as a successful model for aging well and enjoying life.
May 10, 2019
I have no words. I laughed, I cried, I was inspired. I love love love this book. If you are an Ironman, family/friend/sherpa of an Ironman, or are new to the sport (or really, any sport), READ THIS BOOK. Do it now!
Mike Reilly is the incredible voice of Ironman; the man any prospective Ironman hopes will call them across the finish line. His experience and knowledge of the sport really came through as he reflected on his years of announcing Ironman events. His passion for the sport and the athletes is visible through every page of this incredible book.
So, read it, and I dare you to not walk away completely and utterly inspired and motivated to sign up for your next race.
Mike Reilly is the incredible voice of Ironman; the man any prospective Ironman hopes will call them across the finish line. His experience and knowledge of the sport really came through as he reflected on his years of announcing Ironman events. His passion for the sport and the athletes is visible through every page of this incredible book.
So, read it, and I dare you to not walk away completely and utterly inspired and motivated to sign up for your next race.
September 26, 2019
A look behind the scenes at the voice of Ironman. This is sort of a memoir, but it's definitely focused on Ironman races and Mike Reilly's career path around that. I enjoyed reading the stories about connections Mike has made with athletes, and I especially was interested in his experience at Ironman Wisconsin in 2015. I did that race that year (my third IM) and it was by far my least memorable finish - now I have an inkling as to why!
My main complaint with this book is more technical - there were several typos and the margins were not nearly big enough. It gave it the look of something more sloppy and self-published.
My main complaint with this book is more technical - there were several typos and the margins were not nearly big enough. It gave it the look of something more sloppy and self-published.
December 3, 2019
Se existe algo em sua vida que você não gosta, a leitura deste livro vai te mostrar uma série de pessoas determinadas que travaram verdadeiras batalhas para alcançar seus objetivos e sonhos. Provas de endurance exigem esforço físico, mas muito mais mental, e para vários casos descritos no livro é quase impossível de se entender como é possível tirar motivação e energia para fazer algo que a priori deveria ser um hobbie mas que leva ao limite o corpo e mente.
Fora isso, o livo traz a perspectiva de alguém que participa de muitas provas de ironman, mas sem competir, mostrando pontos que passam despercebidos para os atletas.
Fora isso, o livo traz a perspectiva de alguém que participa de muitas provas de ironman, mas sem competir, mostrando pontos que passam despercebidos para os atletas.
May 5, 2023
“People enter Ironman races for many different reasons: to deal with trauma, to reinvent their lives, to honor a lost loved one, or just because it’s the next big challenge in an accomplished life. For some it’s a cleansing of the soil; for others, a way to redefine their identity. They throw themselves into the fire to learn something or prove something about themselves, or finally obliterate self-limiting beliefs that have been holding them back, not just in their athletic endeavors but in their lives.”
August 27, 2019
As a nine time Ironman, I have had the privilege of Mike Reilly calling me across the finish line and know first hand the overwhelming sense of accomplishment the race has had for me. I have also shared the announcing booth with him keying in finisher numbers so he can declare each one an IRONMAN! I was amazed at the fact that h never faltered or stumbled over a name. He does his homework. think I’ll sign up for #10.
October 18, 2019
Mike Reilly is an amazing person and wonderful author. His story and the stories he tells are so compelling and inspiring. I have only just begun completing triathlons this year, and this book has inspired me to up my game for next year. I would highly recommend this book for anyone thinking about doing their first triathlon, the veterans who need reminders on why it is such a great sport or those that just love inspiring stories.
October 22, 2019
If you are a triathlete or Ironman fan, this is the book for you. Mike Reilly, the voice of Ironman, tell stories that will delight and encourage you. His experience with athletes, both professional and amateurs, as well as the venues, makes for great reading. You can read the book beginning to end, or short chapters at a time. Listening to it is even better because Reilly does the narration. He also references many popular books about triathlon like “Iron War” and “The Long Run.”
February 26, 2022
Audiobook, I really just didn't like this book, the majority of the book goes like this, someone going through the worst unimageable problem -> overcoming that problem by finishing an iron man. After hearing like even two of these it quickly became tiring and minimized the problems of what ever person he was covering. Really wasn't interested in it and would not recommend only if you are interested in hearing skimmed struggles of iron man finishers.
October 31, 2019
What a great book to be encouraged to do anything! Whether it’s Ironman, a hike, or just doing life. Go start trying and try again. The author has a love for life especially endurance sports. He has gotten to know the individual and their struggles to see what the had to do to finish and to be called an Ironman!
February 8, 2020
Of course I am going to give this 5 stars. I loved listening to all the stories from Reilly's time calling the Ironmans over the years. It made me equally excited to see him in Wisconsin in September and nervous at what I have stupidly undertaken. The human spirit never ceases to amaze me and I loved the variety of stories from pros to amateurs alike that display the true grit of the sport.
June 10, 2019
I enjoyed listening to this book and his tales of Ironman. It is an amazing event and there are definitely amazing people that embark on the Ironman journey. He did a good job telling some of their stories and how he is able to interact with the athletes while announcing the events.
December 1, 2019
He reads the audio!
For athletes who dream of Ironman, for anyone that’s raced one, for anyone that’s supported a racer or follows the sport/athletes, for anyone that lives in Kona and has watched it.
For athletes who dream of Ironman, for anyone that’s raced one, for anyone that’s supported a racer or follows the sport/athletes, for anyone that lives in Kona and has watched it.
December 5, 2021
Outstanding book! Mike Reilly is the incredible voice of Ironman. Ironman Triathlon is one of the most challenging races to complete. It tests the mental and as well physical endurance of the athlete.
Mike's story and the stories he tells are so compelling and inspiring.
Mike's story and the stories he tells are so compelling and inspiring.
January 2, 2022
Good job encompassing the buzz and excitement from the finish line, but also the athlete village and the whole race week. IRONMAN is an incredible feat and Mike makes the occasion a little more special. Fun read to see it through his eyes.
July 18, 2022
Anyone who competes in triathlon or has cheered on a loved one in a triathlon will be sure to enjoy the inspirational stories of some of the athletes Mike Reilly has met as they cross the finish line at an Ironman!
January 10, 2023
I’m quite bias. Being an IRONMAN finisher myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the stories Mike shared. My dad has been ushered into the IRONMAN finishing shoot by Mike twice. Sadly, I won’t be able to, but this book made me appreciate his legacy even more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews