Episode 39
A Mile at a Time: A Father-Son Story of Resilience and Love Through Alzheimer’s
In this powerful episode, Laura sits down with Mark Macy and his son Travis Macy to explore their incredible journey of resilience, adventure, and living with Alzheimer's. Mark, a former trial lawyer turned endurance athlete, shares how his life changed after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Together with his son Travis, a fellow endurance athlete, coach, and author, they discuss how endurance sports prepared them to face life’s toughest challenges, including Mark’s diagnosis.
From adventure racing in Fiji to creating a powerful memoir, Mark and Travis share their insights on staying active, keeping the faith, and finding purpose even in the face of adversity.
👤 Meet Mark and Travis Macy:
Mark Macy: A former lawyer and elite endurance athlete who has completed some of the world’s toughest races, including Ironman and Eco-Challenge. Mark continues to live a full life despite his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, sharing his story to inspire others.
Travis Macy: An ultra-endurance athlete, coach, author, and podcast host. Travis shares how his father’s diagnosis reshaped their relationship and strengthened their bond.
📌 Topics Discussed:
How Mark Macy transitioned from law to endurance sports
The pivotal moment that inspired Mark to become an athlete
Adventure racing and the world of ultra-endurance sports
How endurance sports taught them resilience and teamwork
Mark’s journey with Alzheimer’s and his decision to live life fully
The power of sharing your story to help others
Travis’s experience as a caregiver and son
Their new memoir A Mile at a Time and its impact
Staying connected, staying active, and keeping the faith
⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):
00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Mark and Travis Macy
03:30 – How Mark got into endurance sports
08:45 – Travis shares childhood memories of adventure racing
14:20 – The transformative power of endurance sports
21:00 – Mark’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and how he responded
28:30 – How their family adapted and grew stronger together
34:15 – Facing challenges with resilience and mindset
42:00 – Their new book A Mile at a Time and what readers can expect
50:30 – Final thoughts on staying active, connected, and keeping the faith
💡 Key Takeaways:
Resilience is built one challenge at a time.
Sharing your story can bring hope to others.
Stay active and connected, even when facing hardship.
Alzheimer’s doesn’t define a person’s life.
Keep the faith, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
📚 Resources Mentioned:
A Mile at a Time (Book) by Mark and Travis Macy – Available March 14, 2023.
Travis Macy’s Website: www.travismacy.com
Their Podcast: The Travis Macy Show
National Sleep Foundation: www.sleepfoundation.org
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
🤝 Connect with Mark and Travis Macy:
Podcast: The Travis Macy Show
Book: A Mile at a Time
You can learn more and follow Travis here:
Facebook: @travis.macy.7
Twitter: @TravisMacy
Insta: @travismacy
Follow Mark here:
Instagram: @mmacy146
Facebook: @mark.macy.5283
And check out Imagine Publishing:
Twitter: @Imagine_CB
Insta: @Imagine_cb
Facebook: @ImaginePublishing
🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:
Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeonRepeatPodcast
✨ Like this episode? Please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it. You’re not alone.
