I often think I am crazy for how much I genuinely care about injury prevention, rehab and recovery for athletes. However, I no longer think that after meeting Ian Warner, who is a former Olympic sprinter for the Canadian National Team, Iowa State Cyclone, founder & CEO of KHO Health and author of the book “Endure: An Athlete’s Guide to Faith, Hope & Success.” Ian shares the same passion for sports injury prevention and helping athletes successfully transition to a life after sports that I do. In this episode we dive deep in the lessons athletes can learn and that I learned from Ian's book. In addition we talk about Ian's most recent project with KHO Health and the injuries he went through as a competitive athlete, which he is hoping to prevent in others. Below you will find other topics of our discussion:

Ian's inspiration behind writing writing Endure.
How Ian dealt with the disappointment of making the Olympic team, but not actually getting the chance to run and compete.
Why Ian used his story and the stories of other athletes in his book.
How athletes can use the idea of endurance to their benefit.
Ian explains what faith means to him and what can it look like.
How we are all a part of a bigger picture and how to embrace this mindset.
What it was like for Ian to grow up with an older brother who was also an elite track athlete.
Why dreams are often associated with the gifts you are given.
What Ian was doing to blaze his own trail from an early age.
Why its easier now then ever before to make an impact in the world.
How to use your roll-over minutes as an athlete (translatable skills).

“The work you put in is never wasted, just like roll over minutes with a cell phone”

Why you miss 100% of the shots you never take still applies.
How to stay hungry after accomplishing a goal.
The importance of focusing on the process and self-improvement in the absence of extrinsic motivators.
Why we should overcome evil with good.
How to learn from your physical and mental pain as an athlete.

“God doesn’t give you the desk, he gives you the wood”

The L4-L5 back injury struggles Ian had and the little changes he made to alleviate his debilitating pain.
Why most athletes are overtraining and the importance of recovery.
When is enough, enough? - And living to fight another day.
Ego and pride’s role in athletics, the good, the bad and the ugly.
The athlete identity and how social media is reinforcing the brand.
Ian talks about a friend he lost to suicide after their track career ended – CTE discussion.
Why you shouldn't wait until the very end to find an identity outside of your sport.
Football injuries Ian experienced from growing up including a spiral fracture of his tibia.
Why he stopped playing football his Junior year of high school.
How Ian's personal struggle to find adequate medical advice and treatment led to the creation of KHO Health.

“No one is going to care about your body as much as you do”

How Ian works to keep his body injury free today.
Why athletes should surround themselves with the right team of medical expertise, but also know how to take care of themselves.
Why you shouldn't wait until you are broken to seek help.
Are there circumstances where it is okay to push it?
The cumulative affects of dropping the ego and its correlation to career longevity.
How athletes can use KHO Health to prevent and recover from injuries.