{"id":167,"date":"2025-06-11T15:59:45","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T22:59:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/?p=167"},"modified":"2025-06-11T15:59:45","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T22:59:45","slug":"grit-and-resilience-with-mike-kelly-and-alex-ptacek-stronger-is-better-podcast-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/grit-and-resilience-with-mike-kelly-and-alex-ptacek-stronger-is-better-podcast-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Grit and Resilience with Mike Kelly and Alex Ptacek | Stronger Is Better Podcast #5"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"lyte-wrapper\" title=\"Grit and Resilience with Mike Kelly and Alex Ptacek | Stronger Is Better Podcast #5\" style=\"width:640px;max-width:100%;margin:5px;\"><div class=\"lyMe hidef\" id=\"WYL_iT00Ow3DP_w\" itemprop=\"video\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"><div><meta itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" content=\"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FiT00Ow3DP_w%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg\" \/><meta itemprop=\"embedURL\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iT00Ow3DP_w\" \/><meta itemprop=\"duration\" content=\"PT1H39M24S\" \/><meta itemprop=\"uploadDate\" content=\"2025-06-11T05:15:08Z\" \/><\/div><meta itemprop=\"accessibilityFeature\" content=\"captions\" \/><div id=\"lyte_iT00Ow3DP_w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FiT00Ow3DP_w%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"pL\"><div class=\"tC\"><div class=\"tT\" itemprop=\"name\">Grit and Resilience with Mike Kelly and Alex Ptacek | Stronger Is Better Podcast #5<\/div><\/div><div class=\"play\"><\/div><div class=\"ctrl\"><div class=\"Lctrl\"><\/div><div class=\"Rctrl\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><noscript><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/iT00Ow3DP_w\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FiT00Ow3DP_w%2F0.jpg\" alt=\"Grit and Resilience with Mike Kelly and Alex Ptacek | Stronger Is Better Podcast #5\" width=\"640\" height=\"340\" \/><br \/>Watch this video on YouTube<\/a><\/noscript><meta itemprop=\"description\" content=\"In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, host Nick Delgadillo speaks with Alex Ptacek, Head Coach at Starting Strength Chicago, and his trainee Mike Kelly. Mike shares the gripping and ultimately inspiring story of suffering a catastrophic quad injury\u2014followed by multiple surgeries, setbacks, and an unwavering commitment to recovery. Alex and Mike detail the coaching, rehab, and mindset needed to not only recover but hit PRs after the injury. This episode is a masterclass in first principles thinking, coaching accountability, and what\u2019s possible when grit meets process. Whether you\u2019re a coach, trainee, or recovering from injury yourself\u2014this one is not to be missed. 00:00 - Intro and guest introductions 01:15 - Alex\u2019s background and entry into coaching 04:55 - Mike\u2019s long training history and CrossFit roots 07:00 - Mike\u2019s first serious injury and how it led to Starting Strength 11:00 - The value of strength and discovering Rip 17:30 - Injury mindset, aging, and training smarter 27:00 - The squat injury and ambulance ride 34:10 - First surgery and complications 42:00 - Training with only one functioning quad 49:00 - Re-injury and second surgery 1:04:50 - Tourniquet bruise, setback, and third surgery 1:14:00 - Training mentality and persistence 1:21:00 - Running again\u2014why movement matters 1:26:00 - Final thoughts: gratitude, recovery, and moving forward ------------------------------------ *Connect With* #startingstrengthgyms https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/startingstrengthgyms https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/startingstrengthgyms https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/starting-strength-gyms \ud83d\udd17 *Book your free 30-min session:* https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/free-session.html?utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=ytreferral \ud83d\udd17 *Own a Gym:* https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/own-a-gym.html?utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=ytreferral \ud83d\udd17 *Train at a gym:* https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/locations.html?utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=ytreferral \ud83d\udd17 *Coach at a gym:* https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/become-a-coach.html?utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=ytreferral \ud83d\udd17 *Shop for apparel:* https:\/\/store.startingstrengthgyms.com?utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=ytreferral #startingstrengthgyms #startingstrength #strengthtraining #fitness\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"lL\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:640px;margin:5px;\"><\/div><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, host Nick Delgadillo speaks with Alex Ptacek, Head Coach at Starting Strength Chicago, and his trainee Mike Kelly. Mike shares the gripping and ultimately inspiring story of suffering a catastrophic quad injury\u2014followed by multiple surgeries, setbacks, and an unwavering commitment to recovery. Alex and Mike detail the coaching, rehab, and mindset needed to not only recover but hit PRs after the injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This episode is a masterclass in first principles thinking, coaching accountability, and what\u2019s possible when grit meets process. Whether you\u2019re a coach, trainee, or recovering from injury yourself\u2014this one is not to be missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>00:00 &#8211; Intro and guest introductions<br>01:15 &#8211; Alex\u2019s background and entry into coaching<br>04:55 &#8211; Mike\u2019s long training history and CrossFit roots<br>07:00 &#8211; Mike\u2019s first serious injury and how it led to Starting Strength<br>11:00 &#8211; The value of strength and discovering Rip<br>17:30 &#8211; Injury mindset, aging, and training smarter<br>27:00 &#8211; The squat injury and ambulance ride<br>34:10 &#8211; First surgery and complications<br>42:00 &#8211; Training with only one functioning quad<br>49:00 &#8211; Re-injury and second surgery<br>1:04:50 &#8211; Tourniquet bruise, setback, and third surgery<br>1:14:00 &#8211; Training mentality and persistence<br>1:21:00 &#8211; Running again\u2014why movement matters<br>1:26:00 &#8211; Final thoughts: gratitude, recovery, and moving forward<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, host Nick Delgadillo speaks with Alex Ptacek, Head Coach at Starting Strength Chicago, and his trainee Mike Kelly. Mike shares the gripping and ultimately inspiring story of suffering a catastrophic quad injury\u2014followed by multiple surgeries, setbacks, and an unwavering commitment to recovery. Alex and Mike detail [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[9,10],"class_list":["post-167","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-podcast","tag-starting-strength-gyms","tag-stronger-is-better"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":137,"url":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/programming-the-overhead-press-novice-to-advanced\/","url_meta":{"origin":167,"position":0},"title":"Programming the Overhead Press &#8211; Novice to Advanced","author":"Nick Delgadillo","date":"May 14, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"One of the most common questions that people have about programming revolves around doing and improving strength in the overhead press. In this episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick goes deep on the press, why it's good for you, and how to program it long term. https:\/\/youtu.be\/vzUc7QNO_ME?si=9Qth1EmVX-tSzc5t Programming\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Podcast - Stronger Is Better&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Podcast - Stronger Is Better","link":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/category\/podcast\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/vzUc7QNO_ME\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":127,"url":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/simplifying-advanced-programming-stronger-is-better-podcast-1\/","url_meta":{"origin":167,"position":1},"title":"Simplifying Advanced Programming | Stronger is Better Podcast #1","author":"Bre Acosta","date":"April 16, 2025","format":"video","excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/BGOR6Ho8UXA Welcome to Episode 1 of the Stronger is Better Podcast, brought to you by Starting Strength Gyms and hosted by Nick Delgadillo. In this kickoff episode, Nick lays out a comprehensive roadmap for barbell programming \u2014 from the simple and powerful Novice Linear Progression all the way to advanced\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Podcast - Stronger Is Better&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Podcast - Stronger Is Better","link":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/category\/podcast\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/BGOR6Ho8UXA\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":266,"url":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/a-parents-strength-support-for-disabled-children-stronger-is-better-podcast-14\/","url_meta":{"origin":167,"position":2},"title":"A Parent\u2019s Strength: Support for Disabled Children | Stronger is Better Podcast #14","author":"Bre Acosta","date":"October 13, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/IvKT0M6dgLg In this powerful episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo is joined by UK-based client and father James Collinge to discuss how strength training has transformed his life\u2014not just in the gym, but in parenting a disabled child. James shares how barbell training prepared him physically and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Podcast - Stronger Is Better&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Podcast - Stronger Is Better","link":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/category\/podcast\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/IvKT0M6dgLg\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":87,"url":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/how-strong-should-you-be\/","url_meta":{"origin":167,"position":3},"title":"How Strong Should You Be?","author":"Nick Delgadillo","date":"May 5, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"How should you think about goals when you first start training? Or if you've been training for a while, you may be wondering how you stack up or whether you are \"strong enough.\" https:\/\/youtu.be\/KL_3nx307qg In Episode 2 of the\u00a0Stronger Is Better\u00a0podcast, Nick Delgadillo breaks down strength standards into three categories:\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Podcast - Stronger Is Better&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Podcast - Stronger Is Better","link":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/category\/podcast\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/KL_3nx307qg\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":184,"url":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/freedom-and-purpose-through-entrepreneurship-with-ray-gillenwater-stronger-is-better-podcast-6\/","url_meta":{"origin":167,"position":4},"title":"Freedom and Purpose through Entrepreneurship with Ray Gillenwater | Stronger Is Better Podcast #6","author":"Bre Acosta","date":"June 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/fKlfxrVEBVk In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with Starting Strength Gyms founder Ray Gillenwater for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, vision, and the founding story of Starting Strength Gyms. Ray shares how his experiences in tech, corporate leadership, and global markets led him\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Podcast - Stronger Is Better&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Podcast - Stronger Is Better","link":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/category\/podcast\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/fKlfxrVEBVk\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":188,"url":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/strength-training-pregnancy-pelvic-health-with-becky-maidansky-stronger-is-better-podcast-7\/","url_meta":{"origin":167,"position":5},"title":"Strength Training, Pregnancy, &amp; Pelvic Health with Becky Maidansky | Stronger Is Better Podcast #7","author":"Bre Acosta","date":"July 7, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/csMs2-HeSCY In this episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with Dr. Becky Maidansky, pelvic floor specialist and founder of Lady Bird Physical Therapy in Austin, TX. They explore the realities of training through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pelvic floor dysfunction, and why strength is one of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Podcast - Stronger Is Better&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Podcast - Stronger Is Better","link":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/category\/podcast\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/csMs2-HeSCY\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=167"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":168,"href":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167\/revisions\/168"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=167"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=167"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=167"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}