What does it take to be a high-performing athlete, a dedicated father of four, and a man of faith—without compromising any of it?
In this inspiring episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex VanHouten sits down with Phil Thompson, an optometrist, father of four, and accomplished Ironman triathlete.
Phil shares how endurance training became a tool not just for physical transformation—but for spiritual growth, fatherhood, and character development.
From overcoming multiple knee surgeries to racing in full Ironman events while juggling work and family life, Phil’s story is a masterclass in discipline, faith, and grit.
Whether you’re a parent struggling to find time for fitness, an aspiring triathlete, or someone just needing encouragement to keep going—this episode will remind you that you were made for more.
🔥 Topics Covered:
-How Phil went from hockey injuries to Ironman finishes
-Building grit through endurance and how it reflects biblical faith
-Using training to teach your kids how to overcome hard things
-Time management secrets from a dad who trains 15–18 hours a week
-Why the garage gym is a sacred family space
-The spiritual power of not giving up—and how God meets us in the pain
-Fueling for long races while showing up at work and home
-“Take the pain to get rid of the pain”—a family mantra for grit
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Welcome
01:42 – Phil’s background, family life, and love for endurance sports
04:32 – Why he started triathlon after hockey injuries
09:56 – Raising boys, wrestling, and staying strong for your kids
12:57 – How training as a dad is a different kind of discipline
14:25 – Phil’s first sprint triathlon to first Ironman
20:08 – Distances broken down: Sprint → Ironman
23:55 – Recovery when you still have to be dad the next day
26:54 – The why behind pushing through pain
28:52 – “Take the pain to get rid of the pain” and other wisdom
31:53 – Mindset shifts: “Is this an Ironman? No? Then I can do it.”
34:29 – Chasing the sub-10-hour Ironman: goals & strategy
36:48 – Fueling for performance & life beyond the race
40:12 – Time management: making time, not finding it
44:38 – Making fitness normal in the household
46:34 – Active fatherhood as the ultimate fitness goal
51:20 – Passing the torch to the next generation
53:43 – Teaching kids pacing, resilience, and endurance
55:46 – The role of faith in endurance training and parenting
57:16 – Relying on God when there’s nothing left in the tank
59:03 – Coaching new triathletes: “If I can do it, you can too.”
01:00:16 – Why grit changes everything
📣 Calls to Action:
🎯 Ready to Get Stronger in Mind, Body, and Spirit?
👉 Take the Faithful Fitness Assessment for just $7: https://BetterDaily.live
🏋️♂️ Start Your Fitness Journey With Purpose → Join the Better Daily Beginner Series to lay a strong foundation: https://BetterDaily.live/beginner
📕 Pre-Order the Devotional: Get your copy of Faithful Fitness: A 40-Day Devotional for Christian Fitness and Stewardship launching Sept 1, 2025. Visit https:/BetterDaily.live/devo
📲 Follow Phil on Instagram: Connect and be inspired: https://instagram.com/HealthyEyes365 🎧
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