Mike Lenhart with Getting2Tri Interview

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips

Katie discovers she tore her meniscus after a 120-mile bike ride, forcing her to cancel a half-marathon.

The episode begins with hosts Dr. Adam Schaffran, Lee Cantor, and Katie engaging in humorous, disjointed banter about miscommunication regarding Katie's 120-mile bike ride for the 24 Hours of Booty event. Katie later reveals she tore her meniscus in her previously healthy knee after the ride, forcing her to cancel a planned half-marathon and sparking a discussion on aging and athletic injuries. Guest Mike Lenhart, founder and president of the Getting2Tri Foundation, is introduced. He explains the foundation's goal to integrate individuals with physical disabilities—specifically amputees and those with spinal cord injuries—into local communities through swimming, cycling, and running. Mike shares his personal motivation, stemming from his military background and involvement in triathlon, to break down barriers between able-bodied and disabled athletes. He describes the foundation's National Paratriathlon Training Camps, where athletes are paired with handlers and use 'smart books' to track progress. A key story involves John, a double amputee who, after attending a camp, bought a bicycle, cut his hair, and sought employment, illustrating the program's life-changing impact beyond sports. The discussion touches on equipment costs, funding through grants, and collaborations with organizations like Dare2Tri and the Challenge Athletes Foundation. Mike discusses the Paralympic movement, expressing concern about disabled athletes like Oscar Pistorius competing in the Olympics potentially undermining the Paralympics. He notes para-triathlon will debut at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. The hosts shift to lighter topics, including Mike's experience as a spin instructor at Concourse Athletic Club, where Lee participates, and anecdotes about classroom management. Mike promotes upcoming events, including a moved camp to Charlotte and a Bourbon and Belugas fundraiser at the Georgia Aquarium. The episode concludes with casual talk about Lance Armstrong's fall from grace, the Livestrong foundation, and personal updates from the hosts.

As heard by us

A wife wanting one more bicycle ride gives this adaptive sport conversation its clearest emotional pull.

The episode finds its footing in Mike Lennart's account of Getting to Try, a three-day adaptive sport event built around recreational spaces in Atlanta and a kickoff mixer where athletes, coaches, and volunteers can meet.

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Why you'd press play

Want a fitness story where a bicycle ride matters more than a finish line? Press play.

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