Race director Rachel Martin shares the mindset behind years of iconic, community-focused events.
In Episode 058 of The Health Movement Podcast, Rachel Martin — race director, author, and owner of Forward Motion Events — shares how she’s spent decades building her community through non-profits, local events, and eventually endurance events.
“I live with a sense of urgency. Life is too short to waste on the things that don’t matter.”
Rachel’s story is one of vision, resilience, and community. From weathering a microburst the night before a triathlon, to pivoting an entire race format mid-season, she’s led with safety, inclusivity, and joy as her guiding principles. Her FIO (“Figure It Out”) mindset isn’t just a motto — it’s how she’s approached everything from growing events, to writing her first book, to bridging cultural divides through the Sister City Project between South Berwick, ME, and Tuskegee, AL.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
✅ How the Pumpkin Man Triathlon evolved over the years
✅ Why safety and community are the core of every event she runs
✅ The creation of Rick’s Run 5K in honor of her father, a Vietnam veteran
✅ The power of the FIO mindset in sports, business, and life
✅ How she tackles imposter syndrome while running large-scale events
✅ Her work on the Sister City Project and building bridges beyond sport
Whether you’re an athlete, event organizer, or someone chasing a dream, Rachel’s story is proof that adaptability, passion, and people-first leadership can turn challenges into lasting legacies.
🎧 Listen to the full episode with Rachel Martin on YouTube or any podcast platform
📸 Follow her on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rachelmartinmaine
🏁 Learn more about Forward Motion Events: https://www.forwardmotionevents.com/
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