Mark Allen is a six-time IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPION, ranking among the most celebrated endurance athletes in the world. He won his six titles from 1989 to 1995, and was dubbed The Greatest Endurance Athlete of All Time by ESPN. Today, he operates Mark Allen Coaching, where he trains the next generation of triathlon champions.

What keeps you motivated when you’re facing an obstacle? 

First, I remind myself that big goals always come with big challenges. Secondly, I place myself in the future and see how it would be to look back and see myself just giving up in the moment I am in. That never looks good so I keep going. Thirdly, I remind myself that through the adversity and challenges that come I have always gained something that has completely empowered me.

Is there an inspirational quote that resonates with you?

“It’s never over until it’s over.” – Brant Secunda

That quote kept me going many, many times during key moments in races when I just wanted to give up because my goals looked completely impossible to achieve. But with that quote I would regain the confidence to keep taking the next step and the one after that.

What inspired you to become a personal trainer?

Purely for the love of helping others achieve their dreams through the knowledge I have gained over the years.