In Episode 072 of The Health Movement Podcast, host Derek O’Riorden welcomes back endurance athlete and mindset coach Katie Van Doren — who was deep into a 20-week Half Ironman training block when life threw her two brutal curveballs: the sudden loss of her father and a mid-race medical emergency.

What followed was a transformation not just in training — but in how she leads, parents, coaches men, and manages setbacks.

From chasing structure to build resilience, to empowering men through vulnerability and routine, Katie unpacks what it means to come back stronger when your original plan collapses.

💬 “If I fail, it’ll never be because of effort. It’ll be my health. That’s it.”

In this powerful conversation, Katie shares:
✅ How structure, discipline, and history helped her train for Ironman
✅ What she learned from her father’s 350+ race legacy
✅ The brutal leg cramps that led to a 911 call and medical insight
✅ How she helps men shift identity through emotional strength
✅ Why fitness after 40 is as much about mindset as mechanics

If you’ve ever felt off-track or wondered how to start over — this episode is for you.

🕒 Chapters
00:00 – Thank you to the audience + intro
01:40 – Katie returns: from guest to friend
02:36 – 20 weeks of Ironman training
05:30 – Why structured planning matters
07:21 – Her father’s 350+ race legacy
09:36 – Training alone vs. finding community
11:47 – Involving her kids in Ironman prep
12:28 – Health scare + what cramping revealed
14:39 – Adjusting for longevity and recovery
17:08 – Katie’s next big races: Ironman Texas & Escape from Alcatraz
20:08 – How she talks to her kids about sacrifice
22:15 – Divorce, leadership & the masculine role
26:07 – Coaching men through growth and shame
31:01 – High-value habits & emotional resilience
34:57 – Derek’s “100-Hour Rule” + growth through practice
38:19 – Starting Kung Fu at 40: modeling learning
44:24 – Longevity is the ROI of health
49:19 – Birthday reflections and daily gratitude
51:41 – How to follow Katie

🌐 Connect with Katie Van Doren
Coaching Platform: https://www.patreon.com/TheGuysGirl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekvdlifestyle
🎧 Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
📺 Subscribe to The Health Movement Podcast — youtube.com/@HealthMovementPodcast
📩 Join our community: https://healthmovement.us
Zwift Bike Training: https://www.zwift.com/

Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon: https://www.escapealcatraztri.com/