What if being “average” is exactly what endurance sports need more of?
In this episode of Beyond The Finish Line, host Joe Hardin welcomes Mary Pittman, the inspiring founder of Team Average Athlete. Mary’s story flips the script on traditional fitness narratives and celebrates the everyday athlete. You know…..the one who shows up, no matter their pace, podium potential, or gear.
From cross-country runs in California to open-water swims across the San Francisco Bay, Mary has built a brand rooted in inclusion, humor, and resilience. What started as a joke between friends became a nationwide movement when people saw themselves in the message: You don’t have to be elite to belong.
Joe and Mary dive into the gendered reactions to the phrase “Average Athlete,” the challenges of building a brand as a mom and introvert, and her plans for a brick-and-mortar space where every athlete feels welcome. This episode is packed with laughter, real talk, and motivation.
If you’re looking for inspiration, community, and a reminder that effort matters more than speed, this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and share with someone chasing their own comeback story.
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