The Triathlete Hour
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Triathlete Magazine brings you all the personalities, training, news, and gear from the world of triathlon.
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Aug 10, 2022
Triathlete Hour: How many distances can Leanda Cave win?
Welcome to our last episode of Triathlete Hour before we take a late summer break—but don’t worry we’re planning to be back with new episodes at the end of the month…
And for this episode we have an exciting guest: Leanda Cave, the four-time world champion — at almost every distance — talks to us about how even in retirement she’s considering one more distance world title, Ultraman. And she tells us how her first Ultraman went two weeks ago.
We also talk about how she got started in the sport, how she made a living and found her way, and what it was like becoming the first athlete to win the 70.3 and Ironman world titles in the same year!
This episode was brought to you by Hammerhead. Now, Triathlete Hour listeners get exclusive, limited time offer—a free heart rate monitor with the purchase of a Hammerhead Karoo 2. Visit hammerhead.io, put both products in your cart, and use promo code TRIATHLETEHOUR at checkout to get yours today.
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Aug 3, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Siri Lindley Wants You to Live Your Absolute Best Life
This week we have a deep and thought-provoking episode with Siri Lindley. The world champion talks to us about how to create the life you want for yourself and how to chase dreams that seem impossible, even how to turn something like living through leukemia into a positive in your life.
First, before all that, some quick news: Today is our host, Kelly O'Mara's, last day at Triathlete. So we’ll have one more short episode for you next week and then we’ll be taking a break in August, but don’t worry we hope to be back with some Triathlete Hour episodes after that break
And to get us started Sid joins us for one more Sid Talks, where we dissect all things Commonwealth Games, two-day Kona, and all the women’s sports news.
RELATED: Siri Lindley Wins Her Greatest Battle—Recovery
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Jul 27, 2022
Triathlete Hour: The PTO Canada Open Show
This week we’re doing a quick recap from the ground in Edmonton on the exciting brand new PTO Canada Tour race. Sid gives us the behind-the-scenes scoop, and we debate what was good, what could be improved, and what we’d like to see in the future. Then we break down the Collins Cup picks and try to explain the appeal of the Commonwealth Games.
We’ll be back next week with a regular interview, stay tuned.
RELATED: Is the 100K the Perfect Race Distance?
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Jul 20, 2022
Triathlete Hour: We've Been Approaching Mental Health In Tri All Wrong
Welcome to the Triathlete Hour. This week’s episode is one I think will hit home for a lot of triathletes. We’re talking to mental health researcher and ultra runner and triathlete herself, Jill Colangelo.
Jill started studying the link between mental health and endurance sports after she found herself overtrained, with no answers for what drives a regular athlete to train themselves to that point. What she found may sound familiar to many of you.
And now, more recently, she’s been talking to other triathletes who have been diagnosed with ADHD or autism, and the overlapping symptoms of both, and trying to understand why there is so much overlap with triathlon and what triathlon can do to be more welcoming to neurodiverse athletes.
It’s a fascinating episode, with lots of good information. But first Sid & I preview the PTO’s Canada Open this week and take bets on who will make it with all of their equipment intact. (One quick note: After we recorded it was announced that Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee would be joining the start list.) We’ll have all the previews later this week, but you can see all the action live on Outside Watch.
Read some of Jill's articles here:
Losing Focus? Feeling Grumpy? You Might Be Overtrained
Stress Can Cancel Out Your Fitness
What's It Like to Be A Triathlete with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD?
Jill Colangelo is a writer and researcher of mental health and ultra endurance sport. She has a BA and ALM in psychology and is a former triathlete and ultramarathoner.
This episode was brought to you by Hammerhead. Now, Triathlete Hour listeners get exclusive, limited time offer—a free heart rate monitor with the purchase of a Hammerhead Karoo 2. Visit hammerhead.io, put both products in your cart, and use promo code TRIATHLETEHOUR at checkout to get yours today.
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Jul 13, 2022
Triathlete Hour Podcast: Jackie Hering's found the best phase of her tri career
This week’s episode is a chat with Jackie Hering, the 70.3 North American champ, has been on a roll lately—and she says the turning point actually came doing Zwift races during the early parts of the pandemic.
Jackie shares how she thinks of her 11-year career in different parts, how one of those parts was changing her training and balance after having two kids, and how she has no interest in doing an Ironman again. Plus, as the snowshoe person of the year, she’s well equipped to give us all the details on how to snowshoe.
This week’s episode is brought to you by the AIRWAAV Endurance Performance Mouthpiece, which can open your airway by up to 25% for improved breathing. As a partner of USA Triathlon, AIRWAAV is offering Triathlete Hour listeners 15% off with code TH15.
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Jul 6, 2022
Triathlete Hour: The Roth Episode
Welcome to the Roth edition of the Triathlete Hour. Sid and I are bringing this episode to you from the Roth expo the morning after the race. We talk about if the legendary event lives up to the hype, if it’s full back post-COVID, and then we dissect the pro races: Anne’s win, Jan’s DNF, Magnus Ditlev’s near record.
Thanks to Sid and thanks to the entire Roth team for giving us the chance to experience this event. More for our readers up on the site:
Does Challenge Roth Live Up to the Hype?
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Jun 29, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Nicola Spirig looks back on 30 years at the top of the tri game
This week, we’ve got a quick preview of the race in Roth this Sunday: world champion v. world champion. And then we’re talking to another world champ, the legend Nicola Spirig.
Nicola talks to us from her home in Switzerland, as she nears the end of her final season and retirement. She tells us about what her goals have been in this final year, which of her five Olympics was her favorite, and how she actually never intended to be a pro triathlete for this long.
The Swiss star and Olympic gold medalist started triathlon when she was just a kid; her dad coached her for 15 years and she ultimately won 6 European championships. What will she do now? And what does training look like when she’s all done with triathlon?
Check out the video from On Running looking back on her three decades: Nicola's Spirit
This week’s episode is brought to you by the AIRWAAV Endurance Performance Mouthpiece, which can open your airway by up to 25% for improved breathing. As a partner of USA Triathlon, AIRWAAV is offering Triathlete Hour listeners 15% off with code TH15.
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Jun 22, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Karen Smyers has seen it all
On this week’s episode of the Triathlete Hour we’re talking with the legendary Karen Smyers, who is still the only woman to win the ITU (now World Triathlon) world title and Kona in the same year—just five weeks apart back in 1995.
She also overcame a string of bad luck in the late '90s: a storm window that fell and sliced her hamstring, getting hit by an 18-wheeler, being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and shattering her collarbone. But it didn’t stop her from getting to the first-ever Olympic Trials. She also talks to us about her more recent challenges with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and what she’s learned over the years.
Most importably, she wouldn’t change any of it.
And first a quick chat with Sid as we both prepare for Challenge Roth & the infamous Roth after-party—and we try to dissect the whirlwind season of races.
Check out Karen's TEDx talk she mentions: Racing While Female
This episode was brought to you by Hammerhead. Now, Triathlete Hour listeners get exclusive, limited time offer—a free heart rate monitor with the purchase of a Hammerhead Karoo 2. Visit hammerhead.io, put both products in your cart, and use promo code TRIATHLETEHOUR at checkout to get yours today.
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Jun 15, 2022
Triathlete Hour Podcast: Rudy Garcia-Tolson Won't Let Anything Stop Him
This week's guest may be familiar. Rudy Garcia Tolson's been to the Paralympics five times and won five medals, and he was the first double-above the knee amputee to complete an Ironman.
Today we get to know Rudy better and understand why when he was five years old he decided to have his legs amputated just so he could finally get out of the hospital and live his life. And he tells us know many prosthetics he went through as a kid and how many celebrities he’s met over the years. Then, he shares his one piece of advice for everyone dreaming big.
This week's episode is brought to you by the AIRWAAV Endurance Performance Mouthpiece, which can open your airway by up to 25% for improved breathing. As a partner of USA Triathlon, AIRWAAV is offering Triathlete Hour listeners 15% off with code TH15.
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Jun 8, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Nikki Bartlett finds joy in training & in tri
This week we’re talking to Nikki Bartlett, fresh off her win at Marbella 70.3. She tells us how when she started out it took her hours to make it through a swim at training camp—but she was determined to become a pro triathlete, and how she’s found happiness and loves what she does now.
But first, Sid Talks is back with the most important question: Laura Phillips 8:18 at Ironman Hamburg, Kat Mathews 7:31 and Kristian’s Blummenfelt’s 6:45 at the Sub 7/Sub8 project — what was the most impressive performance this weekend? And what do we want to see in the future?
RELATED:
Yes, Iron-Distance 'Records' Were Broken, But Was Sub7/8 A Success?
What's the Ironman World Record? It's Complicated
This episode was brought to you by Hammerhead. Now, Triathlete Hour listeners get exclusive, limited time offer—a free heart rate monitor with the purchase of a Hammerhead Karoo 2. Visit hammerhead.io, put both products in your cart, and use promo code TRIATHLETEHOUR at checkout to get yours today.
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Jun 1, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Ruth Astle went from age-group winner at Kona to 5th pro at St. George
This week we’re talking all about the Sub7/8 attempt. First Laura Siddall and I dissect the discussion around the record-breaking effort & if there are too many races this summer.
Then we chat with Ruth Astle, who won the overall age group race in Kona in 2019 and then took 5th at the Ironman World Championship in the pro race in St. George a few weeks ago. Ruth will also be pacing her good friend Kat Matthews at the Sub8 project this weekend—and we talk about what that’s like. Plus, why she’s never going back to full-time banking.
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May 26, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Taylor Knibb's having fun with a plan
This week we have a fun episode with Taylor Knibb—which she would call purposeful planned fun. She talks to us all about that plan, how she handled so many big events last year from her surprise qualification to the Olympics (which didn't surprise her friends) to the Collins Cup to her 3rd place finish at the 70.3 World Championship, and why she’s not that into social media. Plus, how she got started as a kid and what she has planned coming up next...short-course, long-course, or both?
For more on Taylor's breakthrough year:
We Have U.S. Olympian and Collins Cup Star Taylor Knibb's Workouts
The Unusual Story (And Unusual Coach) Behind Taylor Knibb's Overnight Success
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May 18, 2022
Triathlete Hour: What will it take to revolutionize pro triathlon?
On this week's Triathlete Hour, we’re talking to Sam Renouf, the CEO of the Pro Triathletes Organization. One big note: We had some tech difficulties while recording, between internet connectivity and traveling; we still managed to put together a great episode, but there is some volume differences between Sam and our host, Kelly. Please stick with us, it'll be worth it!
Sam tells us how he got started in tri, why he took the CEO job, and what the PTO is doing to try and change the sport. And first, Laura Siddall is back from her 7th place finish at the Ironman World Championship for Sid Talks. We get the inside scoop from St George: Did her glass bowl make it home? And then we chat about the PTO’s new Pro-Am format and look forward at the two big mid-distance regional championships this weekend.
RELATED: PTO Tour Announces Two Majors, a Pro-Am, and Age-Group Races for 2022
Outside+ members can also watch the replay of the PTO Pro-Am here.
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May 11, 2022
Triathlete Hour: The 2021 World Championship Episode
This is our last St. George episode of the Triathlete Hour — we’ll be back to regular interviews next week, but first we wanted to bring you the on-the-ground reports from the men's and women’s races, the best gear and things we saw in the week leading up, and we'll try to answer the big question: How did it stack up as a World Championship event?
Check out all of our Ironman World Championship coverage—including:
How Did the Ironman World Championship in St. George Stack Up to Kona?
Commentary: The Results Don't Tell the Whole Story
Ironman World Championship DNF Files: The St. George Edition
Data Dive: Finishing Times, DNF Rates, and More Stats from St. George
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May 5, 2022
Triathlete Hour: On the Ground in St. George
We're bringing you a quick episode of the Triathlete Hour this week from St. George, Utah—where we're on the ground for the Ironman World Championship.
We catch up with Thorsten Radde for his analysis, predictions, and the speculation the street, but first our in-house gear guru, Chris Foster, shares what new things he's been getting a sneak peek at. You can see his full take on the hottest new gear here. And see Kristian Blummenfelt's super new prototype bike we mentioned.
For everything in the 2021 Ironman World Championship in St. George (in 2022), be sure to bookmark our St. George guide. And check out:
How to Watch
What to Know About the Course
Men's Preview & Start List
Women's Preview & Start List
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Apr 29, 2022
Ep. 27: Maximizing Your Mind for Training, Racing, and Life
In this month's episode of Fitter & Faster, Dr. Cory Nyamora joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about sports psychology and mental training. As a licensed psychologist and endurance sports coach, Nyamora is well versed in providing practical help and guidance to athletes of all ages and abilities, from pros to amateurs, as well as competitive high school athletes. He talks about some of the approaches he uses with clients to help them get the most not just from their training and racing, but also their enjoyment of their sports. We discuss the importance of strategies such as self talk and journaling, as well as the fact that a lot of endurance training often involves learning more about yourself and how you "tick"—it's not just about physiological training.
Nyamora runs us through some of the biggest mistakes he sees athletes making from a mental training standpoint and how learning to stay present, calm, and flexible can be one of the greatest lessons. We also talk about understa…
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Apr 27, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Mark Allen gives us his St. George analysis & predictions
Welcome to the all St. George episode of the Triathlete Hour. Today we’ve got everything you need to know for the Ironman World Championship in St. George next weekend. Legendary world champion Mark Allen is here to break it all down. He talks to us about what goes through a champ’s mind in the last two weeks before the big dance, how he thinks St. George will play out differently than Kona, and his very detailed background on all the top contenders.
And first Laura Siddall gives us the inside look at final Worlds prep and her athlete take.
We will try to bring you an on-the-ground show in St. George next week, but keep up on Triathlete with all the latest the first Ironman World Championship since 2019. Bookmark this page & here's everything you need:
How to watch
Pro previews: men's & women's races
The pros' predictions for the race
What spectators should know about the course
How St. George will play out differently than Kona
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Apr 20, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Triathlon Taren finds a healthier version of himself
This week we’re talking to Taren Gesell, better known as "Triathlon Taren," about how he got into the sport, how he got started making some of the most popular triathlon Youtube videos out there, and what he’s learned along the way.
We spend a good amount of time also talking about the struggles he went through with overtraining and burnout the last few years, why he's moved away from triathlon, and what is a healthy lifestyle and a healthy version of training. That might mean different things for different people...
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Apr 13, 2022
Triathlete Hour: The queen of carbon on the evolution of tri
This week we’re talking to the one and only, Anne Hed — yes of Hed Wheels. Anne talks to us about how when she started out racing triathlon, this guy at the bike shop gave her $100 for the Ironman Hawaii race entry. That guy was Steve Hed.
She eventually won a car at a race and used it to fund the start of their company. A lot has changed since then.
Anne had to takeover the business after Steve died unexpectedly in 2014. She's evolved and she's seen the sport evolve since those early days. How has it changed?
And before we talk to Anne, Laura Siddall is back for Sid Talks from her St. George training camp. We get into the gossip about STG, how there’s a new crop of stars to watch out for, and what we think could happen.
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Apr 6, 2022
Triathlete Hour: From the Finish at Oceanside
We have a different kind of show for you this week — we were down in Oceanside for the start of the long-course U.S. season & the first Ironman 70.3 streamed live on our sister network, Outside Watch. (If you missed it, it's available on-demand now for Outside+ members.)
So while we were there, we grabbed a couple quick interviews with some of the athletes after their exciting finishes. Stay tuned for a chat with breakout stars Taylor Knibb and Jackson Laundry, and some short post-finish line debriefs from Lionel Sanders and Daniela Ryf. We’ll hear from all of them after a short recap of the race weekend.
And first, we sat down in Oceanside to talk briefly with Julie Moss. She wanted to tell us more about being named as U.S. captain for the Collins Cup, how she was in Oceanside doing work with the Ironman Foundation, and if she has plans to return to triathlon.
All of that on today's show.
RELATED:
How Jackson Laundry Surprised A Double Gold Medalist and The Tri World
Commentary:…
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Mar 30, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Jonas Deichmann Celebrated His Around-the-World Tri With More Biking & Running
This week we have an interview a long time in the making: Last year, Jonas Deichmann completed his around the world triathlon. It took 429 days and was the equivalent of 120 Ironman—and you know what he did for fun when he was done? Bike and run some more.
Jonas tells us how one becomes an international multipart adventurer in the first place, what it was like taking that on during COVID, and how he became a Forrest Gump-like celebrity in Mexico — with hundreds of people following him on his runs.
But first, we break down the start of the race season in North America at 70.3 Oceanside—plus two other big races this weekend. How can an athlete survive this packed 2022 schedule? And how can you know which races you should tune in for?
Watch 70.3 Oceanside starting at 6 a.m. PT on Saturday on Outside Watch
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Mar 25, 2022
Fitter & Faster Podcast, Episode 26: How to Get Race Ready
In this month's episode of Fitter & Faster, former professional athlete turned coach Rebekah Keat joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about all aspects of getting race ready. Keat now coaches athletes of all abilities—from pros to beginners—at Team Sirius, the coaching company she leads together with her wife Siri Lindley, who coached three-time Ironman world champion Mirinda Carfrae to her world titles.
With race season right around the corner here in the northern hemisphere, Keat gives us her insights and advice on those all-important weeks leading into race day. We chat through how your training should change from about six weeks out from your key race all the way through to your taper (and Keat gives us one of Carfrae's key race simulation sessions). We also talk through the psychological preparation needed, including visualization and goal setting. Keat gives us her advice on how best to set up your race week, both from a training standpoint as well as a logistical point of v…
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Mar 23, 2022
Triathlete Hour: During COVID, Minori Minagawa Went From New Triathlete to Athlete of the Year to Pro
This week we’re talking to USAT’s Athlete of the Year, Minori Minagawa. We recorded this right after Minori’s first pro race, the very tough Clash Miami. Unfortunately, she was one of the many women who were forced to DNF in those conditions; she couldn’t even feel her hands or feet when she dropped out from overheating & dehydration!
We talk about that race, what it’s like jumping into the pro ranks this year, and how she went from first Olympic triathlon EVER during the pandemic to winning 70.3s to going pro—all in the last two years. What has that learning curve been like? And how’s training in Ohio?
But first, Sid Talks is back! Laura Siddall helps us recap the last two big weekends of racing: Miami, Lanzarote, and Sid’s second place down in Chile. Racing season is really really here.
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Mar 16, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Donna Smyers Has Done A Race Every Year Since 1991
This week’s episode is with USA Triathlon’s Grand Master Athlete of the Year, Donna Smyers. Yes, that last name may sound familiar. She first got into triathlon thanks to sister Karen Smyers—who went on to be a well-known pro and win the world championships.
But Donna's paved her own way, as a six-time age-group winner at Kona, two-time age-group winner at ITU Worlds, and national Hall of Fame inductee. What is the secret and how has the sport changed?
Donna shares some insights with us, how she manages to keep it fun, love the lifestyle, and do some kind of race every year.
It’s a short fun episode this week. Hope you enjoy the chat and congratulations to all the 2021 Athlete of the Year award winners!
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Mar 9, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Joe Maloy is helping guide the next generation
This week’s episode is a deep and spiritual one with Olympian Joe Maloy.
Joe is now the head of development at USA Triathlon and we talk about what that means, what it took for him to develop into an elite athlete & Olympian, and how he’s trying to share those life lessons with others now — and how it’s OK to not make that choice too.
What does tri talent and junior development look like in the US?
Check out some of his insights in: Who Makes a Good Pro Triathlete
And first, Laura Siddall joins us to dissect the first big weekend of racing: the Couples Championship, Dubai 70.3, and what comes next this year.
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Mar 2, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 89 - Inside College Tri with Kira Gupta-Baltazar & Chelsea Burns
This week we talk to collegiate duo, Kira Gupta-Baltazar & Chelsea Burns. Kira is the women’s collegiate national champ & Chelsea, a former pro herself, is the University of San Francisco coach. They tell us what collegiate NCAA triathlon is like and what it means for the women that triathlon finally hit the NCAA mark.
RELATED: Is Triathlon Ready for the NCAA?
And first Laura Siddall joins us for a news-focused Sid Talks. We try to answer the question: What role do triathletes have in world events and should races be canceled in Russia? Plus, the newest athletes of Bahrain 13.
An update: After we recorded this, both Ironman and Challenge Family did cancel their races in Moscow and St. Petersburg scheduled for later this summer. This of course a changing news event, but the fundamental issues at the heart of it aren’t going anywhere.
More info: Challenge and Ironman Cancel Russia Events
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Feb 25, 2022
Fitter & Faster Podcast, Episode 25: Cracking the Bike Fit Code
In this month's episode of Fitter & Faster, expert bike fitter Ivan O'Gorman joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk all things bike fitting. O'Gorman, who works with Olympians, Ironman champions, and recreational athletes alike, gives us his insights into what to look for in a good bike fit, how to find the right bike fitter, and some of his go-to golden rules for finding the optimal position for you if you don't have the cash to pay a bike fitter.
O'Gorman talks about the importance of getting your "contact points" right—most notably your saddle and aerobars—and also gives us his recommendations for some of the best bike brands when it comes to fit range and sizing for triathletes. He makes some interesting points about weighing up aerodynamics, adjustability, and what your triathlon goals are.
Of course, it wouldn't be Fitter & Faster without our Gear Up section with our resident gear guru Chris Foster, and in this episode Foster gives us some great tips on what to look for when bu…
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Feb 23, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 88 - Michael D'hulst wants to make short-course cool again
This week, as part of wrapping up our 2022 Multisport Movers & Shakers awards, we’re talking with one of our movers and shakers: Michael D'hulst, the CEO of Super League Triathlon.
Michael tells us about how he took a year sabbatical from Volkswagen to try and qualify for Kona—and ended up never going back. Instead, one entrepreneurial adventure in sports led to another and another, and now he’s heading up the effort to—in his words—make short course cool again.
We talk about what Super League has planned, how it could succeed, and what it needs to do next, primarily how to tackle the U.S. market.
And first before that, we brought on our own short-course expert, Chris Foster, to talk about which countries do treat triathlon as a spectator sport and what we think about the exciting new announcement that women’s triathlon has hit the target to become the next NCAA sport.
RELATED: Yes, There Will Be an Esports Tri World Champion This Year
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Feb 18, 2022
The Cooldown: Ep. 8 - Growing in the sport with Paula Findlay
In their last episode, recorded right before the Super Bowl, Stef & Phil tackle the important subjects: How quickly can you become a couch expert when watching the Olympics? And what was the moment they went from working triathlon to just being a fan of the sport?
And then they're joined by someone they're both a fan of, who's making it all work: Paula Findlay.
Paula talks about how the Olympic qualification process "turned very political and kind of just ruined my love of the sport," how she's happy now to have more control over her career and not attach her self-worth to what others think of her, and how she misses ITU racing sometimes but loves that there's so many other options for athletes—especially now with the PTO in the mix (which she serves on the athlete board of).
And, how she's enjoying winter more now, skiing, and not letting the fear of injury stop her. "There's risk in anything we do."
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Feb 16, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 87 - From Brain Surgery to Olympic Standard
This week we have a unique episode: In the summer of 2019, Steve O’Mara had a crash when a dog jumped out of a car at him while he was racing during a local triathlon, which led to an undiagnosed brain bleed and ultimately emergency brain surgery three months later. Steve’s also our host's husband, so the two of them share all the details of what it's like for an athlete to work through those challenges, symptoms, and lessons they've learned.
He talks about what it’s like coming back from brain surgery, what things other athletes should be aware of, and how exercise can help with traumatic brain injuries. He also talks about hitting the Olympic standard in cross-country skiing this winter and earning a spot for Ireland to Beijing—and how that didn’t quite work out either. And what’s like to finally be riding back outside after two years.
First, though, a quick chat with Laura Siddall, who was recently appointed to the Pro Triathletes Organization board.
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Feb 9, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 86 - Kendall Gretsch can tri, ski, and shoot
In honor of the Winter Olympics happening right now, we’ve got Paralympic gold medalist Kendall Gretsch on the Triathlete Hour this week.
Kendall won the nail-biting, down-to-the-wire, wheelchair triathlon race in Tokyo this past summer—but she’s also a previous gold medalist in cross-country skiing & biathlon. She talks to us about what it’s like going back and forth, which skills translate and which don’t (shooting, for instance), and which is harder.
Tune in to Kendall's races in Beijing later in March. And first, we're back for Sid Talks on the Olympics, Paralympics, winter triathlon, and if race season is really for real happening this year….
RELATED: The Rapid (Multiseason) Rise of Gold-Medalist Kendall Gretsch
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Feb 5, 2022
The Cooldown: Ep. 7 - What happens after the Olympics?
In July, Flora Duffy won Bermuda's first ever Olympic gold medal. She'd spent her whole life and four Olympics to get there. And then the whirlwind after was so different (in a good way) from the daily grind of eat, sleep, train, repeat.
“What I didn’t think about was what would happen after if I actually won?”
Stef & Phil chat about how Olympic racing has changed in the last two decades, how perfect the Tokyo podium was, and how different the realities of life on the road are for triathlon v. other professional sports.
And Flora joins them from South Africa to give some insight into what it's like now that the dust has settled and the reality of what she accomplished has sunk in. Where to from here?
RELATED: Flora Duffy's Unlikely Path to World Champion
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Feb 2, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 85 - In 66 Ironmans, Hillary Biscay Never Walked
This week we’re talking to Hillary Biscay — Ultraman world champ, 66-time iron-distance finisher, and our host's former coach.
Out of all those iron-distance finishes, she won just one. She talks to us about the all-in effort it took to get that title finally, and how she was never the most talented but always willing to work the hardest. The former Olympic Trials breastsroker once fractured her femur during a race and tried to crawl to the finish—not something she advises now. She shares what she learned since then and how suffering gave her an avenue to make a living as a pro.
If you don’t know one of the most prolific long course athletes in the sport, you will soon.
Warning: Don't necessarily try this at home!
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Jan 28, 2022
The Cooldown: Ep. 6 - Heather Jackson is a fan & a brand
Stef & Phil talk about their “training” & how they learned from the top age-groupers to go for a body surf the day before a big race.
Then, Stef fangirls Heather Jackson.
Heather looks back on her very first pro team camp—which Phil was at as a journalist. How does she feel so many years later about being a pro? What's changed?
One of the lessons she learned early: If there are ten women looking for sponsorship, how are you going to stand out from the other nine? Her husband, Sean "Wattie" Watkins, helped her market herself and understand all the aspects of the business. Before it was cool, he was filming her workouts—even though she still doesn't understand why people want to watch her eat!
Plus, they see it from the other side of running a clothing company. “It’s not just take, it’s a two-way street.”
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Jan 26, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 84 - Kristian Blummenfelt's schedule is packed
Welcome to the Triathlete Hour, this week’s episode is one we’ve all been waiting for: What is Kristian Blummenfelt’s plan for next year??
The Olympic champ and Ironman world record holder talks to us from the south of Spain, where he’s doing a training camp, about how he’s going to do five Ironmans next year, how he thinks he can win both Ironman world championships in 202, and how it’s really not as crazy as it sounds.
Plus, of course, how did Norway become such a triathlon hotspot anyway?
We promise if Kristian wasn’t your favorite athlete before, he will be after this.
And first Laura Siddall & I have a quick chat about how many Ironmans in a year we could pull off and if the sport’s being redefined in real time.
Referenced in the podcast:
The Races We're Excited About in 2022
Will Four Superstars Break 7 Hours/8 Hours for the Iron-Distance?
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Jan 22, 2022
The Cooldown: Ep 5 - Mark Allen has 2022 predictions & analysis
Stef & Phil discuss their tough interviews over the years (and the time Daniela Ryf got a funny burn on Stef). And what makes someone a hero or a legend of the sport?
The legend Mark Allen comes on then to give his expert take on the sport now and his thoughts about the 2021 Ironman World Championships in St. George. It might be even harder to win than Kona, he says, because everyone will think they have a chance and there could be an upset.
Plus, it's nearly impossible to be in top shape in May and then again in October. “It didn’t matter who they are or how talented they were, you can’t be in Ironman Hawaii shape in May and then be at that same level in October.”
And key questions like: How important is a mullet to fast racing? And are you watching Mondays with Mark Allen on Youtube?
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Jan 21, 2022
Fitter & Faster, Episode 24: How to Get the Most From Your Nutrition
In this episode of Fitter & Faster, sports nutritionist Scott Tindal joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about a topic that's often referred to as the fourth discipline of triathlon: nutrition. Tindal, who co-founded the performance nutrition company FuelIn, has helped professional and amateur athletes alike achieve their health and performance goals through better understanding the impact their diet can have on their wellbeing and their athleticism. In the show, we talk about the importance of eating for health and wellbeing—and using this as a platform for performance and longevity. As Tindal puts it, "health first, all else follows."
We talk about some of the biggest mistakes Tindal sees triathletes making with their fueling, including the prevalence of RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) in the endurance sports world. Perhaps unsurprisingly for a fueling podcast, the topic of G.I. distress comes up (more than once) and there are some entertaining anecdotes shared. Tindal…
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Jan 19, 2022
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 83 - USAT CEO Rocky Harris just loves triathlon
After a long holiday break, we’re back with the Triathlete Hour—and we have a great first show of 2022 for you.
Rocky Harris, the CEO of USA Triathlon, is talking with us about how he got into the sport after he caught a bug—an actual bug not a metaphorical bug—on vacation. And why he left ASU to take the USAT job because of the potential he saw and what he thought could improve in the triathlon community he loved.
He also tells us USAT is working on this year, what he sees as the sport’s biggest challenges, and what he’s looking forward to.
Don't forget: USAT members get access to a free Triathlete print + digital membership with your unique USAT code.
But first, Laura Siddall & I are back too with what we’re looking forward to in 2022 and what we think you should be excited about.
And stay tuned: Our special pop-up podcast, The Cooldown with Stef & Phil, will finish up its eight episode run too!
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Jan 13, 2022
The Cooldown: Ep 4 - Macca on "retirement," Super League, and Sub7
After a COVID hiatus, Stef & Phil are back with The Cooldown.
In this episode they chat with fellow Australian and Ironman world champ Chris McCormack about life after the finish line and why he got into the triathlon business instead of going the standard coaching route. "I don't think I'm a great coach."
Macca talks about the birth of Super League and how it's succeeding now after a contentious start, and what we should expect from the Sub7/Sub8 project.
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Dec 29, 2021
The Cooldown: Ep 3 - Ironman tattoos, pro triathlon on TV, and back to the basics
In this third episode of The Cooldown—our limited run podcast from Stef Hanson, of Witsup, and Phil Wrochna—columnist Brad Culp joins them to debate pro triathlon, dream-wrecking, and Ironman tattoos. Is the future in the PTO, Super League, or Ironman? How do niche sports make money? Do the pro ranks need to be culled?
"Your dreams are going to get shattered, kids. Professional sports are not for everybody."
Brad, who has worked for World Triathlon and Ironman, also reveals he has an M-dot tattoo. Good idea or bad idea?
READ: Can Triathlon Ever Truly Be A Spectator Sport?
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Dec 22, 2021
The Cooldown: Ep 2 - Give us head-to-head match-ups!
In the second episode of The Cooldown—our limited run podcast—Stef Hanson, from Witsup, and Phil Wrochna, debate the big picture of the sport.
They break down the Pro Triathletes Organization and their recent announcement of a new PTO Tour next year—and what that means for the big-name athletes. The reality is: We want to see head-to-head match-ups and exciting races every weekend, but that's just not physically possible at the long-distance.
So what's our sport to do?
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Dec 17, 2021
Fitter & Faster Podcast, Episode 23: Everything Triathletes Need to Know About Strength Training
In this episode of Fitter & Faster, strength and conditioning coach Nate Helming joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk through all aspects of strength training. We kick off by talking about why strength training is important for triathletes and what it should look like. Helming gives us plenty of examples of movements and exercises he likes to see endurance athletes master, regardless of their experience, ability, or aspirations. We talk about the role that strength, conditioning, and mobility work can (and should) play in injury prevention—and how improving efficiency of movement is the triathlete's holy grail.
We reference this article when we talk about how minimizing risk in the weight room can actually create greater risk of injury (Helming is a big advocate of using free weights versus machines in order to make exercises more functional). We also discuss the hormonal response to heavy lifting—and how this can be of huge benefit to the endurance athlete.
RELATED: The Right Way…
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Dec 15, 2021
The Cooldown: Ep 1 - Crowie joins Stef & Phil to talk all things tri
Welcome to our newest special pop-up podcast, which will be coming into your feeds for the next eight weeks.
The voices may sound familiar: Stef Hanson, from Witsup, and Phil Wrochna, of First Off The Bike, will be talking about hot topics in the sport, the big issues, and welcoming guests to help them debate all the ins and outs of tri.
Their podcast, The Cooldown with Stef & Phil, will be coming to you in place of our regular interview podcast on Wednesdays for the next eight weeks. All you have to do is subscribe to the regular Triathlete Magazine feed on iTunes, Spotify, wherever you get your podcasts…
Stef & Phil have a great first episode here, introducing themselves and diving into the question of how the sport has changed over the years—with the always insightful Craig Alexander.
We hope you enjoy this limited series run.
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Dec 8, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 82 - Best of 2021
It’s our last episode of 2021 and it's a quick, fun show on all things best of the year: best athlete, race, performance—and our predictions for next year. Plus, we recap the last big race weekend of the year, from the crashes to the prize money.
Check out the full Triathlete Best of 2021 Awards.
We’ll be back in January, so in the mean time we hope you’ll enjoy the special podcasts we’ll have for you over the holidays. Stay tuned next week.
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Dec 2, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 81 - Tommy Zaferes has done it all
Tommy Zaferes may be best know as the husband of world champion Katie Zaferes—but he was also a world-class athlete in his own right, transitioned to be a well-respected triathlon photographer, and has now started a new role at USA Triathlon's Talent ID Coordinator.
He talks to us about what he's learned in all of those roles and how it's shaped what he hopes to do next. Plus, even though he's (quasi-)retired, he keeps fit with bizarre challenges so he can be the perfect training partner for Katie.
And, what he would change now that he's in a role to do some changing.
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Nov 24, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 80 - Lesley Paterson is on an adventure
This week on the Triathlete Hour we have another Xterra legend in advance of Xterra Worlds next weekend. Lesley Paterson, the Scottish Rocket, joins us from Scotland to talk about never getting fast enough at swimming, quitting tri out of frustration, and then coming back to Xterra because of the love of adventure and nature. How does that all works with a movie industry career? And she shares the lessons she learned when writing her book, The Brave Athlete.
And first Sid Talks tackles the question of Ironman world records after the exciting performances this week and when should a swim be canceled or a race changed for safety.
Don’t forget to check out our Outside+ holiday membership deals at triathlete.com/outsideplus right now.
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Nov 19, 2021
Fitter & Faster Podcast, Episode 22: How to Crush the Off-Season
In this episode of Fitter & Faster, coach Mike Olzinski joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk through all aspects of winter training. Whether you call it the off-season, the post-season—or something else entirely—this period of time between one race season ending and the next one beginning can be more important and significant than most realize. It can also be hard to get it right: How much time should you take off? How much of that should be total rest and how much should be activity of some kind? What level of intensity should your workouts be? And would it benefit you to focus on one sport over the other two? Would you make gains from spending more time in the gym? (Spoiler alert here: the universal answer is almost always going to be Yes!). Lidbury and Olzinski, who is a senior coach and head of strength training at Purple Patch Fitness, chat through all of these things and more in the show.
And, of course, it wouldn't be Fitter & Faster without our Gear Up section with resident…
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Nov 17, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 79 - Bradley Weiss on his Ironman-Xterra double
This week we’re talking with Bradley Weiss, who has a unique double lined up. This weekend he’ll tackle his first Ironman at Ironman South African and then two weeks later he’ll look to defend his Xterra world title in Maui. They’re two very different events; how has he prepared for that?
Bradley talks to us about getting into Xterra coming out of school in South Africa, practicing his skills, and some tips for those of you looking to try off-road triathlon. He went on to win two Xterra world titles, and then moved over to 70.3 on the road. Bradley was coming off his second Xterra world championship in 2019 and a top 10 at 70.3 Worlds—and then COVID hit. While life has been good to him in the last two years — a wife and a baby on the way — he also talks about managing the ups and downs of triathlon and performance. And what he’d change if he was in charge of the sport…
If you’re interested in following along with Ironman South Africa this weekend, you can tune into…
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Nov 10, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 78 - Manami Iijima is Repping Guam All Over the World
This week we’ve got a quick chat with one of Guam’s few pro triathlete, Manami Iijima. Manami was first out of the water at Oceanside a couple weekends ago and finished 8th in the competitive field—and she talks to us about what it’s like training in and racing from Guam. (Hint: It involves a lot of bike loops of the island and flights to race.) And she talks to us about how she’s still trying to figure everything about being a pro out and all the questions she has.
And first, we’re back with Sid Talks: Laura Siddall and Kelly O'Mara dissect the exciting racing this past weekend, speculate about what it might mean for a Jan v. Gustav showdown next year, and try to get back to the fun of triathlon.
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Nov 3, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 77 - Remi Davis is USAT's Most Inspirational Comeback Winner For Good Reason
This week we have the fascinating story of Remi Davis. Remi was the 2019 winner of USAT’s Most Inspirational Comeback award after she was hit by a car that came up onto the sidewalk while she was out training with friends. A year later she was back at the races and finished a triathlon while still using a cane.
Remi was also born with sickle cell anemia and was told she couldn’t participate in sports. She’s now gone on to finish a marathon on every continent and is president of the District Triathlon Club in DC, working to grow the sport among athletes of color.
Oh, and she’s a lawyer in her "free time."
Bear with us for this interesting conversation—we had some technically difficulties and had to switch to Zoom, but it’s all there.
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Oct 27, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 76 - Lauren Parker is chasing gold
This week we’re talking to Lauren Parker about her dramatic silver medal in the wheelchair triathlon race at the Paralympics, and how she then raced the 70.3 World Championships with her toes severely burned. She won't let anything stop her.
Lauren was on her way to becoming a professional triathlete when she had a freak bike crash back in 2017 and was paralyzed from the waist down. She tells us all about what it took to check herself out of rehab, get to the annual Challenged Athletes Foundation event, and reinvent herself.
Plus, first Sid and Kelly do quick recap of that CAF event this year and discuss the big storm over the weekend that nixed the much-anticipated Ironman California. What’s to be done with increasingly common freak weather events?
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Oct 20, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 75 - Tim Don does everything
This week we have another all British show! We’re talking to Tim Don—the Olympian and former Ironman world record holder is maybe best known these days as "the man with the halo," after breaking his neck when he was hit by a car in Kona and spending months in a halo device that was screwed into his skull and held his neck in place. He came back from that to run the Boston Marathon and race Kona.
Now we talk about all the things he’s involved in: serving as a team captain for Super League, a back-up guide for the Paralympics, and don’t count him out yet at the age of 43, he’s training in the UK rain and getting ready for next year’s races.
He’s also a dad and his kids interrupt us a couple times, because they want to play!
We also first do a quick preview of the showdown going on this weekend at Ironman California and why the pros are battling for end-of-year rankings.
For more questions with Tim, check out our Q&A on Super League and what's next at Triathlete.
This wee…
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Oct 15, 2021
Fitter & Faster, Episode 21: Run Smarter to Run Faster
In this episode of Fitter & Faster, run coach David Roche joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk all things running—from how to get the most from your running this off season, to how to structure your training, how to improve your form, and how to stay injury-free. It's a fun and fascinating chat in which Roche gives us plenty of insights into how he helps guide the many runners he coaches through his coaching company, Some Work, All Play. He talks us through a typical week of run training and lets us into a few secrets on how to get faster, quicker—spoiler alert, it doesn't involve hours of run drills, agonizing over cadence, or over-analyzing form. We also talk about strength training for running, with Roche referencing a couple of different routines that he has on Trail Runner's website: 3-minute mountain legs and 8-minute speed legs. And if you're a triathlete who's keen to venture off-road this fall or winter, Roche has a few tips on how to get the most fun and fitness out of th…
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Oct 13, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 74 - Jackson Laundry Makes a Comeback
We’re back after a short break, and we’ll be bringing you weekly interviews for a couple more months as we finish out the season before the new year. This week we’re talking to the 5th place finisher at 70.3 Worlds, Canadian Jackson Laundry.
Jackson had a horrific crash at Worlds in Nice two years ago, shattering his scapula, took six months to get back, and then COVID hit. He tells us all about why he almost quit the sport six years ago, what he’s done to take things to this next level, and how he’s getting ready for his first ever Ironman this weekend in Mallorca—and then getting married the weekend after. (Yes, we discuss how this could go wrong.)
Jackson and host, Kelly O'Mara, also chat about the tachycardia they both have and the experience of having your heart rate go nuts while exercising—but a warning: both of them have seen extensive doctors for tests and diagnosis, if you’re experiencing any issues, go to a doctor.
We’ll have that whole chat with Jackson af…
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Sep 22, 2021
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 73 - The 70.3 Worlds Show
Laura Siddall joins us this week for a "quick" recap of the 70.3 World Championship races—with all the details you might have missed from the broadcast and the report from the ground. Plus, we break down the rumors that Kona could get moved from Kona.
Check out the rest of our coverage:
Age-Group v. Pro—Two Very Different Worlds At St. George
Lucy Charles-Barclay Wins First World Title; Gustav Iden Takes His Second
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Sep 17, 2021
Fitter & Faster, Episode 20: How To Stay Fit & Fast As You Age
In this episode of Fitter & Faster we discuss the many ways our bodies change as we age—and what this means for our training, recovery, and performance as triathletes. Former Ironman world champion Karen Smyers and ultra triathlete and Ironman champion Dede Griesbauer join host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about their experiences. Smyers now coaches a host of successful mature athletes, ranging in age from their 40s to their 70s, so she gives us plenty of insights into how, as a coach, she helps them adapt their training and their expectations. She also talks about racing as a pro into her 50s, something which Griesbauer knows plenty about as she's still going strong in the pro ranks with her 51st birthday just days away.
Whether it's more focused strength work in the gym or more diligent injury prevention and maintenance work, one thing is clear: If you want to keep training and racing well as you get older, you have to do so with a smarter approach and really know your body—as well…
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Sep 15, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 72 - There's no secret sauce to Kat Matthews' success
Welcome to the Triathlete Hour. We’ve got one last championship race in this condensed tri championship season: the 70.3 Worlds this weekend in St. George, Utah.
And so today Laura Siddall joins us first for a quick Worlds preview with our predictions—and why the women’s race is the way more competitive and exciting one this time around. Check out all the coverage on our site:
Your Guide to the 70.3 World Championship Women Contenders
Your Guide to the 70.3 World Championship Men Contenders
The Pros' Predictions for 70.3 Worlds
And then I chat with British up-and-comer Kat Matthews—who could surprise everyone this weekend in St George. Kat is a British Army captain and picked up triathlon back in 2015 with some colleagues and friends, realized as she says “she was quite good at this,” and slowly got more and more serious. In 2019, when she crossed the line second out of all the women at a big European 70.3 while still an age-grouper who trained part-time after work, she…
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Sep 8, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 71 - Brad Snyder & Greg Billington teamed up for gold
This week we’re wrapping up Tokyo with a fun chat with the gold medal winning duo of Brad Snyder and Greg Billington. Snyder, who lost his vision after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan back in 2011, became the first U.S. man to win gold in triathlon in either the Olympics or Paralympics. And Billington, a 2016 Olympian, served as his guide and mentor.
The two of them talk to us about how they work together, the training that went into the improbable win, and how they both were back at work and school this week—back to regular life and back to business. Their insight is priceless, and you can tell they have a lot of fun, even if they do hours of workouts indoors on opposite sides of the country.
And before that we hear from Laura Siddall, fresh off her second place at Challenge Roth and a little sleep deprived. She tells us what it is that makes Roth so special and then we try to figure out why so many athletes are making so many last minute changes to their race plans. What can we…
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Sep 1, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 70 - The Paralympics & Collins Cup Special
We’ll wrap up Paralympics Month next week with a chat with gold-medal winning Brad Snyder, but this week we’re just doing a quick recap show. Laura Siddall joins us from Tokyo for Sid Talks. She’s been quarantined in her hotel as a reserve for Team GB—so she's watched a lot of racing. We dissect the Paralympic races (and share our favorites) and then talk all things Collins Cup. It was exciting racing, was the event a success?Plus, we look ahead to the anticipated showdowns now at 70.3 Worlds.
More on the Paralympics:
How Brad Snyder Grabbed Paralympic Gold
The Eight Unforgettable Moments of the Olympics and Paralympics
And the Collins Cup:
Was the Collins Cup A Success?
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Aug 25, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 69 - Mohamed Lahna can do anything
Welcome to the Triathlete Hour. We’re finishing out Paralympics Month with a chat with Mohamed Lahna, who took bronze in paratri at the Rio Game, but is competing in paracycling in Tokyo.
But that’s not the craziest thing he’s done. We talk about finishing the epic six-day Marathon des Sables on crutches, climbing from the lowest point to the highest point on every continent, and what it's like to do massive swims (like across the Strait of Gibraltar) while missing a limb.
Mohamed was born without a femur on his right leg and grew up in Morocco without a lot of options for being active. It wasn’t until he was in his 20s that he got his first real prosthetic and biked through the Atlas Mountains—and he hasn’t stopped since.
But first, before our amazing talk with Mohamed, we chat with our European correspondent Tim Hemming, who is in Slovakia covering the first-ever Collins Cup. He explains what it is, what to expect, and why there were so many last-minute changes.
You can w…
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Aug 18, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 68 - Amy Dixon has reinvented herself more than once
Welcome to the Triathlete Hour. As part of Paralympics Month today we’re talking to Amy Dixon, who started to lose her vision in her 20s as a byproduct of her juvenile rheumatic arthritis. By her 30s, she had lost 98% of her vision and had to reinvent herself—so she did.
She’s now a para cycling and paratriathlon national champion and is headed to Tokyo at the age of 45. After another bout of debilitating health problems last year nearly killed her, she’s excited just to be racing against kids half her age—and then she’s going to celebrate with a vacation in Hawaii.
Amy tells us all about how she’s changed her perspective and overcome obstacles along the way, and what it takes to train and make the Olympics while on chemo.
But first, Laura Siddall is with us from Japan, where she’s already landed for a Team GB pre-Paralympics camp as a guide. She gives us the scoop and dissects the other race happening next weekend: the Collins Cup. Plus, final Kona qualification spots…
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Aug 13, 2021
Fitter and Faster, Episode 19: How to Stay Injury-Free
In this episode of Fitter & Faster we dive into all aspects of injury prevention to help you understand how best to stay injury-free. Physical therapist and athletic trainer Dr. Shefali Christopher joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about the common causes of injuries among triathletes and what you can do to prevent them. Dr. Shefali is also the PT for the U.S. Paratriathlon Team, a position she's held since 2018, and is a triathlete herself, so has that perfect blend of academic and in-the-field experience.
We talk through the injuries she sees triathletes presenting with most frequently as well as the obvious—and not so obvious—causes of them. Dr. Shefali tells us that your history of injury is the biggest predictor of future injury occurrence—so the obvious advice is to try to stay injury-free in the first place, and we talk through how to make that goal a reality. Spoiler alert: it includes good sleep, nutrition, gear selection, and more.
And talking of gear selection, it w…
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Aug 11, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 67 - Allysa Seely doesn't give up
Welcome to the start of Paralympics month on the Triathlete Hour. The Paralympic Games start next week and after all the excitement in Tokyo we’re ready to keep it going. Allysa Seely kicks things off today with her fascinating and inspiring story. After getting into triathlon while in college, she started experiencing symptoms that didn’t make sense: extreme fatigue, passing out when standing up, an inability to walk. It took two years to finally get a diagnosis. And after surgery, she went back to Collegiate Club Nationals and became the first athlete with a disability to compete in the able-bodied race.
Allysa talks to us about the challenges of invisible v. visible disabilities, how her amputation was a good thing, how she won gold in Rio at the debut of paratriathlon in the Games, and what the media frenzy was like after.
Last year, months of life-threatening infections in her bloodstream again left doctors stumped and had her in and out of the hospital. Now, she’s been pani…
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Aug 4, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 66 - From the Ground in Japan
For our last Olympics show we’re talking to our reporting team on the ground in Japan: Brett Larner and Mika Tokairin are a husband & wife reporting duo who cover running and triathlon—and race themselves.
They’ve been doing some interesting work in English and Japanese during these Games, so they can give us the on-the-ground scoop here on how it’s going on Japan, what the crowds and reception in Tokyo are like, and how the triathlon races went down in person. Plus, we talk some about why running is so popular in Japan and what we can learn from making it a spectator sport, and how triathlon has grown over the years there. There were some audio issues, but stick with us, the insight they have is worth it.
You can also check out all their stories from the Tokyo Olympics here:
The Hottest Ticket in Tokyo? Olympic Triathlon
The (Bizarre, Uncomfortable, Precarious) Life of Being An Olympic Athlete in Tokyo
How Tokyo Fixed Its Olympic Open Water Problem (Hopefully)
How Japanese…
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Jul 28, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 65 - The Olympics Episode
Spoiler alert: This week's episode is all about the men's and women's Olympic triathlon races.
Laura Siddall joins us to dissect the races, analyze what went well and what didn't, and look ahead to first-ever Olympic mixed team relay at the end of this week. Don't forget: here's how to watch.
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Jul 21, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 64 - Post-Cancer Kevin McDowell is Finally Headed to the Olympics
Welcome to the last Triathlete Hour episode before the Olympics! For our final Olympian interview we’re chatting with Kevin McDowell, the cancer survivor and ice cream aficionado. You might not know Kevin’s name but you should. He’s been racing triathlon since he was a kid and had some impressive junior results—but the day after his first pro race at 18, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
He tells us all about how it took him years to finally hit his stride in tri after he was recovered, how he thinks he tried to come back too fast and caused more issues, and how his body requires extra love and attention now. That’s why he eats ice cream almost every night and he has an ice cream shop as a sponsor.
Kevin also gives us the inside scoop on what to expect in the Tokyo race and in the new and exciting mixed relay…
And before we chat with Kevin, Laura Siddall and I give you a breakdown of the individual Olympic races, our picks, and a preview of what to look for. It al…
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Jul 14, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 63 - Having Fun Prepared Summer Rappaport for the Olympics
This week we're talking to Olympian Summer Rappaport. Two years ago, Summer locked down her Tokyo Olympic qualification and since then has had to wait...and wait.
She tells us how last year, during the pandemic, she re-found her love and fun of the sport, got out mountain biking with her husband, and actually stayed in one place for multiple months. She found triathlon post-college with the help of USAT's College Recruitment Program and hasn't looked back.
Now, she's ready for Tokyo—if only she can figure out what to do with her eight suitcases and two bikes.
And first, we chat with Ryan Frankel, who founded the app This App Saves Lives. He explains how using carrots, not just sticks, is helping prevent accidents and how he was inspired after his own close call while biking.
You can read all our Olympics coverage as we gear up with Olympics month here. Get excited!
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Jul 9, 2021
Fitter & Faster Podcast, Episode 18: Training and Racing in the Heat
In this episode of Fitter & Faster, we chat with Dr. Stacy Sims about the physiological and psychological factors surrounding successful performance in the heat. There's no escaping the fact that races are getting hotter and it's never been more important to arrive at the start line of a race feeling prepared to tackle the heat and humidity. Dr. Sims—whose own interest in thermoregulation resulted from struggling at hot races one too many times—chats with us about what happens to your body (and mind) as temperatures rise, and the best ways to prepare yourself for this. We discuss different approaches to acclimation, including a sauna protocol which she uses with many top athletes, and common symptoms you might see and feel.
We chat through different race day options for keeping yourself cool, including hydration and fueling, ice sponges (where to put them and where not to put them!), and cooling vests. And ultimately, we conclude that racing well in the heat isn't all about physiol…
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Jul 7, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 62 - Morgan Pearson is ready for Tokyo
Welcome to our all Olympics month. For the next few weeks, we have interviews lined up with multiple Olympians leading into Tokyo—starting today with up-and-coming U.S. star (and the cover model on our current Olympics issue) Morgan Pearson.
Morgan was second at the World Triathlon race in Leeds earlier this year, third in Yokohama, and has now propelled himself to the front of the list of favorites going into the Games. But four years ago he had never done a triathlon before!
He talked to us about what he learned coming from pro running, what’s the hardest part of triathlon, becoming an Olympian (and seeing your friends become Olympians), and how the U.S. men are upping their game…and working together. Will the U.S. win the mixed relay in Tokyo? We say yes.
Be sure to check out all of our Olympics coverage:
Who and What to Watch in Tokyo
Triathlete's Guide to the Tokyo Olympics
And Laura Siddall is back for Sid Talks—we recorded literally hours after her second place at Iro…
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Jun 16, 2021
Triathlete Hour: Ep. 61 - Clarice Lorenzini is ready to speak out
Clarice Lorenzini is the only Asian-American female pro on the circuit right now. She tells us what it's like managing the stress of her husband being deployed, working a full-time job in a Naval rehab center, and making her pro debut at Ironman Tulsa.
She actually kept her training and her husband’s deployment a secret most of last year—but now she's ready to be a face of the sport and speak out about why it's important for representation. She also talks to us about how she manages stress, how she got into tri in the first place, and her tricks for making it all work.
Read more about Clarice: “I Am Ready To Help Change the Face of the Sport”
And first, Sid & Kelly dissect everything about the U.S. Olympic selection announcement and get excited for the Games. Are you ready?
We'll be taking a two-week break and will be back in early July with new episodes.
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Jun 9, 2021
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 60 - The Age-Group Special
We have a fun episode today: the Age-Group Special, with lots going on. We’re talking to the woman who won USA Triathlon’s most inspirational comeback award for the year. Tracy Kochian is just a regular age-grouper, mom, and lawyer, who went through one setback after another. She shares some tips, insight, and talks about what it’s like for so many of us when we just have one thing go wrong after another.
We’re calling this our Age-Group Special because we’ll also talk with Nicola Dick, who chairs the World Triathlon Age Group Commission. She tells us what exactly that is and how they’re trying to get more age-groupers out at World Triathlon races.
(A note: We recorded this before the World Triathlon Championship series race in Leeds happened this past weekend, which is a big deal to Nicola in the UK and which we talk about coming up in the podcast.)
So first, to break down that Leeds race this past weekend, where everything and anything happened, we talk with Laura Siddall…
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Jun 1, 2021
The Triathlete Hour: Ep. 59 - Kirsten Kasper lives the dream
This week, we're talking to Olympic hopeful Kirsten Kasper. Kirsten took up triathlon after swimming in high school (and winning a state championship) and running at Georgetown. She was recruited as part of the college recruitment program, took 4th in the U23 World Championships in her first elite race, and was 4th overall in the World Triathlon standings in 2017 and 2018.
Then she got injured. Then, she crashed at the Tokyo Olympic qualifying test event—but finished the race before going to get 15 stitches in her hip.
Since then, she's been building back up and was 3rd at a World Cup two weeks ago.
She tells us what it's like trying to make one of the most competitive teams in triathlon (the U.S. women's squad), how she and her finance manage both competing for different countries, and the tricks to juggling a constant travel schedule. Plus, she gives us an inside look at the World Triathlon Championship Series race in Leeds this weekend.
What's on the line at Leeds? Olympic spots!…
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May 28, 2021
Ep. 17: Fitter & Faster Podcast - Mastering the Dark Art of Tapering
In Episode 17 of Fitter & Faster, we explore all aspects of peaking and tapering to help you arrive at the start line of your next race in the best shape yet.
Most coaches advocate trying to peak twice a year, but if you don't know how to nail your taper you risk reaching race day feeling flat and sluggish. Understanding the physiological and psychological aspects of peaking and tapering can help you avoid the common mistakes and pitfalls. In this show, we chat with coach Jim Vance, who talks about the many different ways he's helped his athletes find their best form and avoid "the abyss" that can come from getting your taper wrong. We also uncover the "secret sauce" that can truly help athletes hit their peak on race day—and it's not so much about physiology, rather psychology.
On that theme, we also hear from Vanessa Foerster, a mental endurance coach who has helped many athletes work on their approach to race day, including their taper. She has some unique perspectives on how to h…
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May 26, 2021
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 58 - Emma Pallant doesn't miss being a pro runner
This week we’re talking to Emma Pallant. The runner-turned triathlete and duathlon world champ has made a home in South Africa. She talks to us all about what it’s been like during COVID and how tri training differs from running—she had to learn to eat while she races, and she tells us how that lesson required passing out once or twice. Plus, why she turned to tri in the first place after what she thought would be a career-ending injury and why she loves the atmosphere more than track and field.
Plus first Laura Siddall and Kelly O'Mara dissect the North American Ironman Championships in Tulsa this past weekend and discuss why was the race dominated by Europeans. Are we about to hit a lull in this weird racing season?
We had a few technical difficulties, as is so often the case in the age of Zoom, but just stay tuned and it's worth it.
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May 19, 2021
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 57: Why Matt Hanson quit a career in academia six months shy of tenure
This week we talk with five-time Ironman champ Matt Hanson. He's one of the fastest runners in the sport and one of the smartest guys. He tells us all about how he only did his first triathlon because it was on a list of '50 Goals in the Next 10 Years' his wrestling coach in high school made him write, how he qualified for Kona in that first race, and how he fell in love with the sport. Six months shy of tenure, but burning the candle at both ends, he gave up his job as a professor of exercise science to go all-in as a pro triathlete. Now he's won five Ironmans—but he still has one big goal: Kona.
As a former professor of exercise science, Matt also knows a lot about, well, exercise science. He shares some insights he's learned and fine-tuned. Plus, why it's OK to heel strike when you run—and how he's put down the fastest Ironman marathon doing it.
Check out our article on Matt's run form: Yes, Matt Hanson Heel Strikes (And Maybe You Should Too)
But first, Laura Siddall joins us to…
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May 12, 2021
Ep. 56 - What it's like to chase the Olympic dream
This week our own editor, Chris Foster, tells us how he got into triathlon, raced on the U.S. National Team, flew around the world chasing Olympic qualifying points, and just how hard that is. He shares some stories about the crazy travel and tough lifestyle–and about why you should watch the World Triathlon racing this weekend. Hint: It's going to be high drama!
If you're looking for more insight into the World Triathlon Championship Series race in Yokohama this weekend and more about the athletes vying for spots on the Tokyo team, check out:
Every Question You Have About the Tokyo Olympics Triathlons Answered
Behind the Scenes of an Elite Squad of Olympians Preparing for Tokyo
A Day in the Life of Olympic Hopeful Taylor Spivey
Here's How the U.S. Triathletes Will Qualify
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May 5, 2021
Ep. 55: The St. George Show
Instead of an interview this week, we have a short fun episode with Laura Siddalll—consider it an expanded Sid Talks—where we dissect the first big BIG weekend of racing in North America, what people can expect from the St. George 70.3 Worlds course this fall, who’s peaking a little early and who to watch. And then we get into what else is on the calendar coming up, ie. Olympics qualification.
Get excited for triathlon again! We’ll be back with regular interviews next week.
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Apr 30, 2021
Ep. 16: The Open-Water Swimming Special
In this episode of Fitter & Faster, we dive into all aspects of open-water swimming, including the key skills you need, such as sighting, drafting, and pack swimming, as well as how to overcome that all-too-familiar anxiety that so often is part of swimming in the open water, and how to find the right wetsuit for you.
We chat with coach Megan Melgaard, from triathlon swim program Tower 26, and she highlights the importance of learning the key open-water skills in the pool first before transferring them to the open water. She advises that regularly practicing these skills in training will help lessen the nerves that so many triathletes often feel standing on the start line on race day. We also talk about swim safety and all the things you need to know about swimming in a wetsuit.
We wrap up the show with our gear guru Chris Foster who gives us the lowdown on wetsuits: what to look for in a wetsuit, the best ones he's tested, as well as the other gear you need for open-water swimming, su…
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Apr 28, 2021
Ep. 54: Melissa Stockwell has done it all
Today we’re chatting with paratri world champion and Paralympic bronze medalist Melissa Stockwell. Melissa was the first female soldier to lose a limb during the Iraq War—though, as she jokes, that wasn’t a goal she set out to achieve. She talks to us about coming back from that, being selected as the flag bearer at the closing ceremonies in the 2008 Paralympics, which she competed in as a swimmer, and then finding triathlon. And now she's going for another shot at the team this summer as a 41 year old.
Plus first, Laura Siddall is back with Sid Talks and we dissect the wins of another pair of nearly 40-year-olds this past weekend, we try to explain the Pro Triathlete Organization’s rankings, and we preview the stacked field at St. George this weekend.
This episode is sponsored by the New York City Triathlon. Enter the lottery by tonight, April 28.
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Apr 21, 2021
Ep. 53: Starky Explains How Pneumonia Got Him a Doping Sanction
This week’s conversation has a been a little while in the making. We’re talking to the one, the only Andrew "Starky" Starykowicz. The popular athlete was the first American to break 8 hours in an Ironman and is known for his blistering bike splits, but maybe most importantly he’s also known for his openness and for always saying what he thinks.
In December, it was announced that Starky had received a 13-month sanction from Ironman for using a banned inhaler after getting pneumonia—and much of our conversation today is understandably about the circumstances around his use of the prescribed inhaler and how the process worked, or didn’t, for him.
You can read more about the fight over the sanction here.
It's important to note that Ironman has said they followed all rules and regulations laid out by the World Anti-Doping Agency and by the US Anti-Doping Agency.
It's also important to note that no one involved is disputing the basic facts of what happened: Starky got pneumonia and…
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Apr 14, 2021
Ep. 52: Aaron Scheidies sees things differently
This week we’re talking with many time para tri world and national champion, Aaron Scheidies. Aaron’s vision has been deteriorating since he was a kid and he now estimates he has about 10% vision—but he’s still one of the fastest guys out on the race course. He was the first blind athlete to break two hours in an Olympic distance race. He’s won seven world titles—but he’s never raced in triathlon at the Olympics.
He’s hoping to finally get that chance this summer, if everything goes according to plan. But as you’ll learn from Aaron’s story, nothing every goes according to plan for him. You can read his whole up-and-down journey to being a Paralympic cyclist in Rio here.
He tells us all about what it’s like to race with a guide, some of his crazier adventures as a para-cyclist, how he found triathlon as a kid, and how paratri has evolved over the years.
Listen to our chat with his guide and former pro, Ben Collins.
And before that we’re talking with our Laura Sid…
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Apr 7, 2021
Ep. 51: Laura Siddall won't die wondering
Welcome back to the Triathlete Hour. Hopefully, you enjoyed our re-airing of old episodes for the end of Women’s History Month and hopefully you also found the beginner’s episode from our training & gear podcast, Fitter & Faster, useful.
To get all of our gear & training episodes, subscribe to Fitter & Faster:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Today we’re back with another one of our favorite female athletes, our very own Laura Siddall.
Usually you hear Laura analyzing the latest tri news from around the world as part of her segment Sid Talks, but today we talk to Sid about Sid. How she quit a corporate engineering job in her 30s to chase the pro triathlon dream, moved across the world to the U.S. with a bike and suitcase, and has won five iron-distance races since then. Plus, what it’s like to live the nomad life, how she’s coping with one injury and setback after another, and why the British women have gotten so good. Read our story on Beth Potter's world 5K record.
You can fin…
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Mar 31, 2021
Women's History Month: Rach McBride
For the last week of Women’s History Month, we’ll be re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from the badass women who make up our sport. We’ll be re-airing here in our feed one episode every day for the next week and then we’ll be back with new episodes the first week of April.
Enjoy these old episodes from Gwen Jorgensen, Sarah True, Flora Duffy, Heather Jackson, Holly Lawrence, Sika Henry, Chelsea Sodaro — who has since had her baby, and on the last day of the month we’ll hear again from our only gender nonbinary pro Rach McBride.
For our last revisit of an old episode, we're going back to our conversation with the Purple Tiger, Rach McBride. Rach tells us about why they picked triathlon over genetics counseling, playing the cello, or working in sexual health—all of which were options. We also talk about why ADD might be good for triathlon and whether a GPS PR for a 1:20 half-marathon goal counts or if you have to run it on a certified course. And next weekend, Rach w…
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Mar 30, 2021
Women's History Month: Chelsea Sodaro
For the last week of Women’s History Month, we’ll be re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from the badass women who make up our sport. We’ll be re-airing here in our feed one episode every day for the next week and then we’ll be back with new episodes the first week of April.
Enjoy these old episodes from Gwen Jorgensen, Sarah True, Flora Duffy, Heather Jackson, Holly Lawrence, Sika Henry, Chelsea Sodaro — who has since had her baby, and on the last day of the month we’ll hear again from our only gender nonbinary pro Rach McBride.
Today we're re-airing our episode with former pro runner (and 10K national champion) Chelsea Sodaro. A few years ago, after many injuries and a disappointing 2016 Olympics run, she made the switch to triathlon—and has already seen success, winning multiple 70.3s and taking 4th at the 70.3 World Championships this past fall.
Chelsea talks about why she’s having fun now, what she’s learned, why she decided to stop chasing the Olympic dream…
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Mar 29, 2021
Women's History Month: Sika Henry
For the last week of Women’s History Month, we’ll be re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from the badass women who make up our sport. We’ll be re-airing here in our feed one episode every day for the next week and then we’ll be back with new episodes the first week of April.
Enjoy these old episodes from Gwen Jorgensen, Sarah True, Flora Duffy, Heather Jackson, Holly Lawrence, Sika Henry, Chelsea Sodaro — who has since had her baby, and on the last day of the month we’ll hear again from our only gender nonbinary pro Rach McBride.
Today we're going back to our episode with Sika Henry, who is trying to become the first female African-American pro triathlete. How did she end up with that goal and why hasn’t there been someone before her?
Last year, Sika also had a horrific crash and doesn’t remember anything before waking up in the hospital. How do you get back on your bike after that? Plus, she still balances a full-time job and a full-time training load, even with h…
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Mar 28, 2021
Women's History Month: Holly Lawrence
For the last week of Women’s History Month, we’ll be re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from the badass women who make up our sport. We’ll be re-airing here in our feed one episode every day for the next week and then we’ll be back with new episodes the first week of April.
Enjoy these old episodes from Gwen Jorgensen, Sarah True, Flora Duffy, Heather Jackson, Holly Lawrence, Sika Henry, Chelsea Sodaro — who has since had her baby, and on the last day of the month we’ll hear again from our only gender nonbinary pro Rach McBride.
In our fifth episode we talked with 70.3 World Champ Holly Lawrence, who explained how coming back from a devastating injury helped prepare her for uncertainty during this COVID-19 pandemic.
She talks to us from her house in LA about why she doesn’t ride in the rain, how the World Championships in Nice stressed her out, and if she thinks pro triathletes can be a little boring. Plus, she was preparing to do her first Ironman in St. George —…
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Mar 27, 2021
Women's History Month: Heather Jackson
For the last week of Women’s History Month, we’ll be re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from the badass women who make up our sport. We’ll be re-airing here in our feed one episode every day for the next week and then we’ll be back with new episodes the first week of April.
Enjoy these old episodes from Gwen Jorgensen, Sarah True, Flora Duffy, Heather Jackson, Holly Lawrence, Sika Henry, Chelsea Sodaro — who has since had her baby, and on the last day of the month we’ll hear again from our only gender nonbinary pro Rach McBride.
Today we're re-airing our episode with Kona podium finisher and multi-time Ironman champ Heather Jackson. Known for her constant smile, Heather tells us how she stays so positive and what the deal was with the bananas when she won Ironman Lake Placid.
A former hockey player, Heather was a high school teacher after college and an age-group athlete when she decided to move to San Diego and go pro. Now she’s one of the fastest women on the circ…
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Mar 26, 2021
Ep. 15: The Beginners' Guide to Triathlon
In episode 15, we're bringing you the beginners' guide to triathlon, giving you the lowdown on all you need to know to get started in tri. With three sports to balance, a ton of gear to figure out, races to select—and plenty more—it can be hard to know where to begin.
In this show, we chat with coach and author Matt Fitzgerald, who gives us his advice on how to get started with training, how to fuel well, how to prevent and avoid injuries, as well as some of the things he learned from his first race more than 20 years ago. We also hear from coach Morgon Latimore, who has welcomed a lot of novices into the sport and really enjoys helping athletes master their mindset.
And we wrap up the show with our Gear Up! section with Triathlete's senior editor and resident gear guru Chris Foster who talks through all the gear you need to get started in tri—as well as all the stuff you don't. He shares his experience on helping beginners select the best kit for them and tells us some of his fa…
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Mar 26, 2021
Women's History Month: Flora Duffy
For the last week of Women’s History Month, we’ll be re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from the badass women who make up our sport. We’ll be re-airing here in our feed one episode every day for the next week and then we’ll be back with new episodes the first week of April.
Enjoy these old episodes from Gwen Jorgensen, Sarah True, Flora Duffy, Heather Jackson, Holly Lawrence, Sika Henry, Chelsea Sodaro — who has since had her baby, and on the last day of the month we’ll hear again from our only gender nonbinary pro Rach McBride.
Today we go back to our second episode with Flora Duffy, who joined us last year from South Africa, where she was in lockdown and stuck in the house.
The Xterra and ITU World champ talked to us about what it’s like to be an Olympic favorite and now not have an Olympics to go to, growing up in Bermuda, coming back from injuries, and how it took her a decade to become an overnight sensation. Plus, she’s got her eyes on 70.3 Worlds this Novem…
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Mar 25, 2021
Women's History Month: Sarah True
For the last week of Women’s History Month, we’ll be re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from the badass women who make up our sport. We’ll be re-airing here in our feed one episode every day for the next week and then we’ll be back with new episodes the first week of April.
Enjoy these old episodes from Gwen Jorgensen, Sarah True, Flora Duffy, Heather Jackson, Holly Lawrence, Sika Henry, Chelsea Sodaro — who has since had her baby, and on the last day of the month we’ll hear again from our only gender nonbinary pro Rach McBride.
Today we're re-airing our very first episode with Olympian and Kona 4th place finisher Sarah True.
Sarah tells us about what it’s like right now dealing with the financial uncertainty of being a pro athlete during the spread of coronavirus, why she decided to race in Campeche 70.3 before travel restrictions went into effect, and how she’s focusing on family for the next few months.
As part of the Olympic Selection Committee, Sarah also giv…
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Mar 24, 2021
Women's History Month: Gwen Jorgensen
For the last week of Women’s History Month, we’ll be re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from the badass women who make up our sport. We’ll be re-airing here in our feed one episode every day for the next week and then we’ll be back with new episodes the first week of April.
Enjoy these old episodes from Gwen Jorgensen, Sarah True, Flora Duffy, Heather Jackson, Holly Lawrence, Sika Henry, Chelsea Sodaro — who has since had her baby, and on the last day of the month we’ll hear again from our only gender nonbinary pro Rach McBride.
Today we're re-airing our episode with Olympic gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen, who talks to us about why she left triathlon behind to pursue a running career—and why she doesn’t listen to the online forums telling her she can’t do it. She believes in herself.
Gwen was a swimmer growing up and left swimming to pursue running—and left running (and her accounting job) to pursue triathlon after a whole lot of convincing from other people. S…
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Mar 17, 2021
Ep. 50: Chris Mosier wants to be a role model for trans kids
This week, we’re talking to Chris Mosier, the first trans athlete to represent Team USA, which he did in triathlon, and the first trans athlete to compete in the Olympic Trials, which he did in race walking oddly.
Yes, we talk about how someone gets into race walking in the first place—Chris jokes it was harder to come out as a race walker than as a trans man. He also talks about what running meant to him when he was trying to sort out the question he had around his gender identity, how he navigated triathlon, and how he’s trying to be a role model for other trans kids now. He also gets into many of the questions people pose him and why he's worried about the attack on trans kids and trans athletes right now.
Chris is always interesting and thoughtful, and you'll enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
Transcript available here.
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Mar 10, 2021
Ep 49: Gabriela Gallegos wants to bring triathlon to everyone
On this week's Triathlete Hour, we’re talking with Gabriela Gallegos, who serves on the USA Triathlon Board and on the World Triathlon board (formerly the ITU). She gives us a breakdown of what that even means, how someone ends up on one of those boards, and why she started a triathlon series in her hometown of El Paso, Texas—plus what she learned going from lawyer to race director to public health advocate.
This episode was recorded two weeks ago, before the most recent USAT vote on the updated bylaws. One note: We did go back and ask Gabriela for some clarity on those proposed changes.
Like we mention, you can read all the changes here on the USAT site. And if you're a current USAT member, you should have gotten an email with a link to vote by the end of the month.
But we promise the rest of the conversation is more interesting than bylaw changes!
And first, we chat with Laura Siddall again for Sid Talks in advance of Challenge Miami this weekend. Get all the details about how to…
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Mar 3, 2021
Ep. 48: Kathryn Bertine fights the good fight
You may heard of our guest this week, Kathryn Bertine, because she spearheaded the successful campaign to get a women's Tour de France race—now a one-day event called La Course—which she also raced in. She produced the documentary Half the Road. She's been an editor for ESPN, writing their popular column on trying to make the Olympics—in any sport, any country, just go out and make it happen. Something she tried too.
She's written three books, about that experiment, about her years as a pro figure skater, and now she's here with her newest book, Stand—about how to be an activist and the behind the scenes story of the toll it took on her personal life as she fought for equality in women's cycling.
But what you might not know about Kathryn is she started out as a pro triathlete before switching to cycling and she tells us what it is she still loves about triathlon, some of the details of how she worked to make change, and what it was like having a massive crash mid race that left…
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Feb 26, 2021
Ep. 14: How to Make the Most of Your Indoor Cycling
In episode 14 of Fitter & Faster, we dive into all aspects of indoor cycling—from the pros and cons of training inside, how to set yourself up for success in virtual racing, as well as all the gear and equipment you need to maximize your experience. We chat with professional triathlete and Ironman champion Meredith Kessler and hear from Joe Friel and Jim Rutberg, endurance coaches and authors of the book Ride Inside. We close out the show with our Gear Up! section with Triathlete's resident gear guru and senior editor Chris Foster.
Indoor riding has undergone a huge evolution in recent years and is no longer considered something athletes do just because of adverse weather outside. It's a legitimate form of training that can lead to significant boosts in performance and can considerably help when time is tight and you're looking to balance training alongside work, family, and social commitments. Friel and Rutberg give us some insights into how they think indoor riding can work in a…
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Feb 24, 2021
Ep. 47: Josh Hageman Has Collected *Every* Zwift Badge
This week, we're talking to age-grouper Josh Hageman, who has collected every badge on Zwift. At least he thinks he has. It's a bit of a secret, bit hard to find out for sure—so if you know of a badge he doesn't have, he wants to know about it.
He tells us how he went down that hole, what tips he has for other indoor athletes, and why he started a marshmallow business. Plus, how you go about creating your own wacky challenges in real life. Hint: They usually start as bad ideas.
Transcript for the episode available here.
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Feb 17, 2021
Ep. 46: Is Max Fennell the most interesting guy in triathlon?
This week, we're back with Sid Talks with Laura Siddall, who helps us dissect the 2020 prize money list—or lack of prize money—and the upcoming bombshell of a race in Miami.
And then we chat with Max Fennell, who we've dubbed 'the most interesting man in triathlon.'
Max is the only Black pro triathlete—and arguably the first, we discuss. He was also recruited for the TV show 'Million Dollar Mile,' and the televised Spartan Games earlier this year. Plus, he runs his own coffee company, ran for city council, recently co-founded an organization to get more athletes of color into endurance sports, and took up bow hunting as part of his 3-4 year plan to qualify for Kona.
And: Why you should try sleeping outside under a tree.
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Feb 10, 2021
The Triathlete Hour: Ep. 45 - Sal Edwards is a pioneer of the sport
This week is all about women. We talk to triathlon pioneer Sal Edwards, one of the first women to ever finish an Ironman. Sal was a pro triathlete before pro triathlon was a thing. She helped found TriFed, which became USA Triathlon. She won Western States, she wrote some of the first books on triathlon training, she served as the last finisher at Danskin's popular series for decades, she sold Fleet Feet (the popular running store) before starting her own heart rate training company. And she's still going strong.
If you know Sal, then you know she doesn't hold back—and this interview is no exception.
And first, Sara Gross gives us the details on a new women's performance summit, and why it's needed NOW.
Get the details and link to register for the summit here.
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Feb 8, 2021
Fitter & Faster: Ep. 13 - Everything You Need To Know About Training Zones
In this latest episode of Fitter & Faster, host Emma-Kate Lidbury goes all in on training zones: What are they? Why are they important? How do you establish your own training zones?
We start with the basics of training zones across all three sports (and how they differ), before diving deeper on the topic with coach and Olympian Ryan Bolton. Bolton shares his preferred benchmark tests, how to establish training zones from those tests, and common mistakes he sees athletes making when it comes to training zones. Bolton also answers questions from listeners.
Then, we’re joined by Triathlete‘s senior editor and resident gear guru Chris Foster, who talks through all the must-have gear for using training zones while running, biking, and swimming.
Be sure to subscribe to Fitter & Faster's new feed to get all our training & gear episodes:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
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Feb 3, 2021
The Triathlete Hour: Ep. 44 - Belinda Granger is mentally tougher than you (and more fun)
This week we're chatting with the only and only Belinda Granger. The 15x Ironman champ is 50 years old now and retired in 2015—though she still works out 20 hours/week. She shares with us what it was like to make a living doing what you love, and how she thinks she won so many races using what was "upstairs" not necessarily what was "downstairs." Could you still be successful in today's tri landscape just by working harder than everyone else?
If you know Belinda then you know this show could have gone on for hours, as she tells us stories of her crazy training camps and what she learned. Plus, a little gossip in her current role as the pro liaison for Challenge Family. And we put this would you rather to the well-known life of the party: Race Kona or Kona after party?
And first, Laura Siddall is back to talk the latest tri news: Can four superstars break 7 hours for the men and 8 hours for the women in the Iron-distance?
We've got all the details on this project, set for sometime in…
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Jan 27, 2021
The Triathlete Hour: Ep. 43 - Alyssa Godesky goes from pro triathlete to Fastest Known Time record holder
This week we talk to pro triathlete turned Fastest Known Time record holder Alyssa Godesky.
Alyssa is known for her Ironman finishes and back-to-back Ironman top tens on consecutive weekends, but a few years ago she was looking for a new challenge. That's when she found Fastest Known Times—FKTs. First, she took the fastest known time on the Vermont Long Trail and then this year she went after the Adirondack High Peaks. FKTs exploded in popularity this year and Alyssa explains to us all the logistics and the fun, and why triathletes should tackle one.
Here's everything you need to know about triathletes and FKTs—and why you should try one.
And first, we want to make sure you aren't missing out on our training and gear podcast, Fitter & Faster, which has moved to its own feed. We share a short excerpt from last week's episode on training zones, but be sure to subscribe to get all our training and gear info at:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Soundcloud
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Jan 22, 2021
Ep. 13: Everything Triathletes Need to Know About Training Zones
What are training zones? Why are they important? How do you establish your own training zones?
Join host Emma-Kate Lidbury as she uncovers all you need to know on the subject, starting with the basics of training zones across all three sports (and how they differ!) and then getting into the weeds with coach and Olympian Ryan Bolton. Ryan shares his preferred benchmark tests, how to establish training zones from those tests, and common mistakes he sees athletes making when it comes to training zones. Bolton also answers questions from listeners.
Then, we're joined by Triathlete's senior editor and resident gear guru Chris Foster, who talks through all the must-have gear for using training zones while running, biking, and swimming.
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Jan 20, 2021
The Triathlete Hour: Ep. 42 - Todd Crandell races for recovery
This week, we talk to a very special guest, Todd Crandell. An addict, who hit rock bottom, Todd found redemption in exercise and, ultimately, in Ironman. He's gone to help and inspire thousands of others. Though his story's been told many times before—including by us—he opens up here about some of the aspects of founding Racing for Recovery, training addicts and some of the specific issues they face.
He tells us about the things he's learned over the year, the power of Ironman, and some advice that's good for anyone.
We also open with our Sid Talks segment with Laura Siddall, chatting about building habits and resolutions. We also talk about Ironman being sold out in North America and what we expect this year.
It's a show about how to find a healthy life and the role triathlon can play for all of us.
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Jan 13, 2021
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 41 - Barry Siff reflects on the life of triathlon
Barry tells us all about how he first got into triathlon in the 80s in Omaha, how he left a job as a top exec in the food industry to start a multisport company, and how he found adventure racing — and some of his craziest hallucinations during multi-day races.
Barry has been in the sport for a long time, and he has a lot of insight about it what triathlon gets right and what it gets wrong. While he's waiting for inspiration for his next adventure, he's also been writing columns for us. Check them out here: https://www.triathlete.com/byline/barry-siff/
And Laura Siddall joins us again for Sid Talks. She'll be giving us the fun breakdown and the gossip from around the world of tri every week. This episode, we talk about this time of year when sponsorship contracts all come up, what companies are looking for from pro athletes, and what fans want to see from their pros. Plus, what we think are the off-season trends.
We mention Renee Kiley's story, which you can read here: https://www…
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Dec 18, 2020
Ep. 12: Selene Yeager Explains What Athletes Need to Know About Aging & Menopause
In episode 12 of Fitter & Faster, Selene Yeager joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk all things menopause. As a writer, author, athlete and coach, Yeager has an impressive background in the endurance sports world, but she says it's only in recent years—since devoting much of her work to the impact of menopause on athletic women—that she has truly found her life calling. As the host of the podcast Hit Play Not Pause, she has helped thousands of women learn more about the previously-ignored and taboo topic of menopause—and in this episode of Fitter & Faster she talks in detail about its far-reaching mental, physical, and emotional consequences and how best to mitigate them. There's plenty for women and men of all ages to learn from.
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Dec 17, 2020
Tri Live: Heather Jackson
Fan-favorite, Ironman champ, and Kona podium finisher Heather Jackson joins us for Triathlete Live—where she answers questions from listeners about her training, gravel racing, favorite movies, and plans for next year. This Triathlete Live is presented by Tonal, the smartest home gym: https://www.tonal.com/?utm_source=trimag&utm_medium=display Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama
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Dec 16, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 39 - The Best Of 2020
This week we've got a short and fun episode for you, with some of our favorite clips from the year—starting with our very first episode with Sarah True: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/the-triathlete-hour-podcast-sarah-true-flora-duffy/
We also look back on some fun insights, like Ben Hoffman's explanation of the "virtual race resume," Andy Potts' explanation of when it's OK to poop yourself in a race, and Cody Beals description of the funky math that goes into calculating your "average" training week.
Listen to all the full episodes:
Ben Hoffman: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/the-triathlete-hour-podcast-ben-hoffman-wants-to-win-in-kona/
Andy Potts: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/the-triathlete-hour-podcast-andy-potts-remembers-when-it-all-came-into-focus/
Cody Beals: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/people/the-triathlete-hour-podcast-cody-beals-practices-radical-transparency/
Plus, the legend Craig Alexander shared his tips, what he would tell a new up-and-comer no…
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Dec 9, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 38 - Taylor Spivey is living her best life
Last year, Taylor Spivey missed locking in her Tokyo Olympic team qualification by seven seconds—and now she's had a lot of time to think about it thanks to COVID.
When lockdowns happened, Taylor stayed in Portugal by herself—eventually loading up her car and crossing her fingers to get through two borders to her boyfriend, World #1 Vince Luis, in France. She tells us how they met and what it's like to be dating someone on a different squad and competing for a different country. Who's got the household mixed team relay title?
Taylor grew up swimming and competing in lifeguarding competitions in California. She talks to us about getting started in triathlon while studying abroad as an architecture student in Italy. After she decided to go all-in on triathlon, she had a horrific crash and had to crutch around backwards. How did she stick at it? And how did she go from that to where she is now?
First though: Laura Siddall joins us again for Sid Talk to give us all the breakdown fro…
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Dec 2, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 37 - Jodie Stimpson bounces back, again and again
British ITU star Jodie Stimpson just missed out on being named to the Olympic team THREE TIMES. But she doesn't let that get her down. She just loves triathlon and loves to train.
All she ever wanted to be was an athlete. She talks to us about how she's changed her goals over the years, how she keeps at it and stays motivated, and how she got through this tough year. Her dad, who was her biggest supporter, passed away at the beginning of 2020 and it's been hard. She talks to us about how she's gotten through it all—and what she's looking forward to in the future and why she thinks in some ways she's just getting started.
And she explains the difference between a Brummie and a Yum Yum.
Plus, Laura Siddall joins us for a new segment, where she'll give us the breakdown on what's happening in the tri world each week. This week, she gives us the full breakdown from on-the-ground in Daytona in advance of the biggest race of the year, the PTO Championships in Daytona, Florida this weeken…
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Nov 25, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep 36 - You don't know Chris Leiferman yet—but you should
Today we talk to the winner of the recent Ironman Florida race, Chris Leiferman. Chris tells us what it was like to win an Ironman in the midst of a pandemic—the good and the bad.
Chris was also 10th at Kona last year and talks us about the secret to having a breakthrough. (Hint: There is no secret.) We talk about how he eats plant-based, how his wife is his biggest fan and biggest critic, and how he finally solved a long-term injury the other week while sitting in his living room. Chris doesn't have a huge social media presence, so you might not know his name—but get to know him. He's got his head down, doing the work.
And first, we talk to someone you may know: Joanna Zeiger. The Olympian and 70.3 champion is now doing something completely different: studying cannabis. She talks to us about what we do know when it comes to cannabis and athletes, and what we don't know.
Read our story on the challenges of cannabis research in sports: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/what-rese…
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Nov 18, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 35 - Here's what Ironman head referee Jimmy Riccitello wants you to know
This week, we talk to the global head of officiating for Ironman, Jimmy Riccitello. Jimmy started out as a pro triathlete in the late 1980s and through the '90s and into the early 2000s.
His annoyance with some of the rules early in his career prompted him to get involved in trying to get them changed—and led him to find out how much work goes into developing rules for a race. Now, as Ironman's head referee he's been working on global consistency in the rules. He talks to us about his officiating philosophy and some rule issues he wishes people knew about.
We used to do a column with Jimmy called Ask A Ref, and here he answers some common issues and tricky situations we've all had to deal with in races. Plus, if you have a ref question for us to bring the column back, leave it in the comments or send it to letters@triathlete.com
Ask A Ref: https://www.triathlete.com/tag/ask-a-ref/
Remember: Officials aren't the bad guys. You want them out there.
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Nov 13, 2020
Ep. 11: Joe Friel & Jim Rutberg on getting the most from riding inside
In episode 11 of Fitter & Faster, endurance coaches Joe Friel and Jim Rutberg join host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about the indoor cycling phenomenon. As co-authors of the book Ride Inside, Friel and Rutberg have examined every aspect of indoor cycling—from the equipment and training benefits to the evolution of what is fast becoming a sport in its own right. Friel, who is the co-founder of Training Peaks and has been involved in triathlon for more than 40 years, also gives his insights into getting the most from your training (in triathlon, not just for indoor cycling), as well as how to learn from some of the biggest mistakes he sees athletes make. The show concludes with a look at the future of indoor riding and where gamification will go in the next five years. You can use code RIDEINSIDE for 15% off the Ride Inside book, available from velopress.com.
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Nov 12, 2020
Tri Live: Tim O'Donnell & Mirinda Carfrae
Three-time Ironman world champion Mirinda “Rinny” Carfrae and multiple Kona podium finisher Tim O’Donnell joined us from their home in Boulder, Colorado to talk all things triathlon and family. O’Donnell will race in next month’s PTO Championship at Challenge Daytona, while Carfrae is preparing to welcome their second child later this year. This Triathlete Live is presented by Tonal, the smartest home gym: https://www.tonal.com/?utm_source=trimag&utm_medium=display Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama
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Nov 11, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 34 - How Rachel Joyce went from last in the pro field to first
On this week's episode we talk to retired Kona podium finisher Rachel Joyce. Rachel quit her job as a lawyer in the UK to become a pro triathlete—and then did terrible! She struggled and was hurt and came in last or second-to-last. How did she go from that to coming in second in the world?
Rachel shares with us what she changed, what she wish she'd known, and how she eventually finished on the Kona podium three times and won the ITU Long-Course World Championships. Plus, the major difference now that she's retired: being less tired.
And first, we talk to mental endurance coach Vanessa Foerster about how to deal with all the stress and anxiety in the world right now. She wrote earlier this year about managing the emotions from the pandemic—and coming out stronger from them: https://www.triathlete.com/training/how-the-emotions-youre-feeling-from-the-pandemic-can-help-you-become-a-better-athlete/
Be kind to yourself, and keep training!
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Nov 4, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 33 - Gwen Jorgensen doesn't listen to the haters
The Olympic gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen talks to us this week about why she left triathlon behind to pursue a running career—and why she doesn't listen to the online forums telling her she can't do it. She believes in herself.
Gwen was a swimmer growing up and left swimming to pursue running—and left running (and her accounting job) to pursue triathlon after a whole lot of convincing from other people. She then found herself at the Olympics 18 months later. She tells us what it took to win gold, how her now-husband went all-in on supporting her for that goal, and why she left it all to go after a marathon medal.
She's now trying to make the Olympics in the 5K or 10K and has been training with the Bowerman Track Club. We get some details about what that's been life, how she came back from surgery last year, what her plans are post-Tokyo, and why she's gotten more involved with social justice issues. Will we see her come back to triathlon?
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Oct 29, 2020
Tri Live: Mark Allen
The legendary Mark Allen joins us for the week that would have been leading up to the Ironman World Championships -- to talk about how the sport's changed, his coaching and training philosophies, and to share some wisdom. Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama
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Oct 28, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 32 - Emma-Kate Lidbury's dreams changed + COVID protocols & Daytona champs
This week, we've got a bunch of short fun things for you. First, our senior digital editor Liz Hichens give us the lowdown on the new Ironman COVID-19 protocols. Liz lays out what the rules and processes were at Arizona 70.3—the first Ironman brand event in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic—and she tells us how it went and what athletes can expect at races in the near future (including the upcoming Ironman Arizona). For more insight and photos of the race set-up: https://www.triathlete.com/events/ironman/what-the-first-ironman-brand-event-in-the-u-s-since-the-pandemic-looked-like/
Then, our writer Brad Culp gives us his predictions and preview of the biggest race of the year, the PTO Championships in Daytona in December. The top 50 men and top 50 women in the world (plus 16 additional invites)will race for $1 million across a unique distance. It's one of the first times we'll see the top short-course and long-course stars battle it out together. Read his full preview here:…
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Oct 21, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 31 - Sara Gross was ready to quit, then she won
In this episode we talk with two-time Ironman champ Sara Gross, who tells us about how she started triathlon while at grad school in Scotland, improved while training with Faris al-Sultan in the Middle East, and finally won an Ironman after being ready to quit the sport.
She tells us what that was like, what changed, how the Kona field used to be bigger back in the day, and how the sport has changed. She also tells us all about the media company she founded since retiring (https://livefeisty.com/), how Crossfit is going, and if she's seen Prince Harry in Victoria, Canada. Plus, her daughter interrupts us.
First, though, Thorsten Radde—the official statistician of triathlon—talks to us about how he creates his ratings and rankings, what does depth mean, and who he predicted would have won Kona—and who will win Daytona. Check out all his ratings at: https://www.trirating.com/
This episode is brought to you by MitoQ: https://www.mitoq.com/poweruptriathlon?utm_campaign=pr_pr_putri…
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Oct 16, 2020
Ep. 10: Erin Carson and Kate Ligler on the strength training you need for tri
In episode 10 of Fitter & Faster, strength and conditioning coaches Erin Carson and Kate Ligler join host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk all things strength. Carson and Ligler, who work with a number of top pro and age-group triathletes in the gym, give an insight into how their training helps athletes get the most from themselves and their bodies—enabling them to move better, feel better, and become more "injury-proof." They explain how strength work is not just lifting heavy weights and talk about the importance of mobility, stability, and flexibility too. As we approach the winter, they also give insights and advice on how to approach your off-season strength work so that you're ready to hit 2021 feeling stronger, fitter, and faster.
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Oct 14, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 30 - Jocelyn McCauley on faith, family, and confidence
This week we talk to Jocelyn McCauley. The Ironman champ is, in some ways, best known for almost beating Wold Champion Daniela Ryf last year at Ironman Texas. We talk about that and what it takes to believe you're as good as anyone in the world—plus how she went from Kona amateur champ in just her second Ironman ever to top ten in the pro field.
You can read our 2015 story about her back when she was a nurse and age-group athlete: https://www.triathlete.com/events/ironman/on-the-fast-track-from-newbie-to-kona-amateur-champ/
We talk about how she and her husband weighed the pros and cons of going pro, how she involves her daughter in her training, and the role her faith plays in her life. Jocelyn is Mormon and doesn't race on Sundays—even when that means skipping the 70.3 World Championships. We talk about why she made that decision and what kind of response she gets in the sport. Plus, stereotypes, trash talking, and having fun.
Hope you enjoy!
This episode is brought to you by…
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Oct 7, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: Ep. 29 - Bob Babbitt remembers everything
This week would have been the week we all gathered on the Big Island for the Ironman World Championships. With Kona canceled, we're looking back instead of the 42 years of the event with the sport's de facto historian Bob Babbitt. Bob has been at every race since he did one of the first Ironman events back in 1980. He remembers all of his favorite moments and he tells us how the sport has changed (and how it hasn't!) over the years. You can listen to Breakfast With Bob and Bob's other interviews here: https://babbittville.com/
Plus, our editors share their favorite Kona moments. Share your's with us too. We're looking back at everything that shapes Kona: https://www.triathlete.com/collection/ironman-world-championship/
And be sure to vote in our King & Queen of Kona bracket for who's the best athlete of all time: https://www.triathlete.com/events/ironman/help-us-pick-the-king-and-queen-of-kona/
This episode is sponsored by MitoQ: www.mitoq.com/poweruptriathlon
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Sep 30, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: Ep. 28 - Skye Moench believes in herself
This week we talk to Skye Moench. The Salt Lake City based accountant quit her fancy job and turned pro when she was still an age-grouper because she believed she could be great. Last year, she won her first big title—the Ironman European Championships—in dramatic fashion, when Sarah True collapsed a half-mile from the finish line.
Skye was set to make her debut in Kona when, three weeks before, on a training ride, she found herself laying on the side of the road—with no idea how she got there. She talks to us about the crazy crash, the intense recovery, and the emotional ups-and-downs of getting back in the saddle just as COVID hit.
Plus, Skye helped organize last week's DIY pro race—the Bear Lake Brawl—which was the first pro prize purse in the U.S. since the start of COVID. Here's our story about the event: https://www.triathlete.com/events/come-hell-or-cold-water-pros-brawl-adapt-at-bear-lake/
Skye tells us what she did to go from pretty good to really good, why she's…
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Sep 23, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: Ep. 27 - Angela Naeth doesn't give up
In 2017, Angela Naeth contracted Lyme disease. After winning countless 70.3 and full Ironman races, she struggled to walk and suffered from mysterious debilitating pain. But in 2018, she came back to get 8th at Kona.
Now she's going through intense treatment during this off year. She tells us about what it's been like, how she decided to become a pro triathlete at the age of 27, and why she wants to keep racing forever. She also talks about all the different projects she's been involved in—and how her age group team brings her joy and camaraderie.
For more info on Lyme disease, which we talk about extensively:
CDC's symptoms of untreated Lyme: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index.html
LymeDisease.org: https://www.lymedisease.org/
And first we chat with our senior editor, Chris Foster, who headed to the first big pro race in the US this weekend. He tells us why small grassroots races are attracting huge and competitive pro fields, and how this might be the future of the sp…
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Sep 21, 2020
Tri Live: Linsey Corbin
Our Sept/Oct cover star and American Ironman record-holder Linsey Corbin joins us from her house in Bend. How she's been training (or not) during COVID, how she started in triathlon, and how much she eats in a day. Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama
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Sep 18, 2020
Ep. 9 - Sports psychologist Jeff Troesch on the importance of mental training
In Episode 9 of Fitter & Faster, sports psychologist Jeff Troesch joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about the importance of mental training. Troesch has worked as a sports psychologist and mental coach for more than 30 years with both pro and amateur athletes across a wide range of sports, including track and field, surfing, tennis, golf, and triathlon. He's helped lead pro triathletes to world and regional championship titles, while also guiding amateurs to fulfill their full potential.
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Sep 16, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 26 - Justin Metzler and Jeanni Seymour are figuring it out
In our first in-person interview at our studio in Boulder, we chat with pro triathlon couple Justin Metzler and Jeanni Seymour—who have 15 70.3 wins between them.
The young duo have had a few breakthroughs in the last few years and a few disappointments. We talk about their five-year plans, how they're still figuring out what works and what doesn't, and what it's like to move halfway around the world on your own. Jeannie also opens up about how she struggled some with her mental health, especially after a disappointing Kona debut last year, and how Justin has helped her find a breakthrough in her performances. Good thing she agreed to go on a pity date with him!
Plus, they both have different answers to our 'would you rather' question.
And first up, we chat with one of our writers, Susan Lacke, about the second installment in her Endurance Geek series—all on the science of sports bras. Read the whole here: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/supportive-science-the-quest-to-build-…
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Sep 11, 2020
Ep. 8 Triathlete Editors' Roundtable
Episode 8 of Fitter & Faster sees Triathlete Magazine's editor-in-chief Kelly O'Mara and senior editor Chris Foster join host Emma-Kate Lidbury for a Triathlete Editors' Roundtable. The trio—who between them have more than 50 years' experience in the sport—discuss some key triathlon topics from both an athlete perspective as well as an editorial one: What are the most common questions we receive from readers? What are the biggest mistakes made? What were our biggest mistakes? We also discuss some of the greatest challenges triathletes face, such as time management, nutrition, and injury prevention—and give some insights into how we've learned to tackle these.
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Sep 9, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 25 - Rach McBride never gets bored
This week we’re talking to the Purple Tiger, Rach McBride. Rach tells us about why they picked triathlon over genetics counseling, playing the cello, or working in sexual health—all of which were options. We also talk about why ADD might be good for triathlon and whether a GPS PR for a 1:20 half-marathon goal counts or if you have to run it on a certified course. And Rach will head to the self-organized Canadian Pro Championships coming up.
In the second half of the episode, we spend a long time talking about why Rach came out as gender non-binary earlier this year, at the age of 42, and how the decision made them feel like they finally didn’t feel out of place anymore. (FYI: This means Rach goes by the pronoun 'they' and so we’ll refer to them that way throughout this episode.)
We have a long talk here about what gender non-binary means and why it was important for Rach to be honest about who they are.
Here's the story we did on Rach's decision earlier this year: https://ww…
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Sep 2, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 24 - Haley Chura can't believe the turns her life has taken
This week is all about swimming. We talk with uber-swimmer, Ironman champ, and first out of the water at Kona Haley Chura.
Haley won a national championship as a swimmer at the University of Georgia, competed in the Olympic Trials, and only got her start in triathlon after a bet with her boss at her accounting firm. Now she's an Ironman champion and has traveled all over the world racing, but she never would have imagined this is the turn life would take.
She also talks to us about racing the Olympic Marathon Trials back in February—one of the craziest experiences of her life, just two weeks before the world took a turn and she went into quarantine.
If you want to listen to Haley's Ironwomen podcast she mentions: https://livefeisty.com/ironwomen/
And, first, we talk to the head of research for the Norseman extreme triathlon. Jorgen Melau tells us all about what they've studied in their athletes, what they've learned about cold water, and what changes they make.
He also talks abo…
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Aug 26, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 23 - Don't Call Ben Collins Retired
This week we talk to USAT board member and former national team athlete Ben Collins. After winning a number of 70.3s, the New York City Triathlon, and countless other races, Ben's last full year of pro racing was in 2017. But don't call him retired. Now he's training with and guiding blind Paralympic athlete, Aaron Scheidies — and they're going for gold in Tokyo. Ben tells us what it's like to guide, what training is required, and why he enjoys it more than racing solo right now.
The other thing Ben's enjoying in post-pro life? Making up his own triathlon adventures. See the full video Ben and Chris' DIY triathlon: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/diy-tri-get-inspired-to-put-on-your-own-triathlon-adventure/
We also chat (and laugh) about the highs and lows of being a pro, what advice he gives to new athletes, and what being a USAT board member means.
Looking for your own adventure? Our managing editor Emma-Kate Lidbury has all the details about our Hawaii from Home virtual event…
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Aug 19, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 22 - Chelsea Sodaro is having fun
This week we talk to former pro runner(and 10K national champion) Chelsea Sodaro. A few years ago, after many injuries and a disappointing 2016 Olympics run, she made the switch to triathlon—and has already seen success, winning multiple 70.3s and taking 4th at the 70.3 World Championships this past fall.
Chelsea talks about why she's having fun now, what she's learned, why she decided to stop chasing the Olympic dream and move to 70.3 (hint: it has to do with staying close to her family), and how she's evaluated her big goals during this stressful time.
Despite a few internet issues, this is an insightful conversation and full of great information. Bear with us! Plus, you'll want to hear what her running PRs are...
And first we talk to Jeff Sankoff, an ER physician, triathlete, and coach who runs TriDoc coaching and puts on the TriDoc podcast: https://tridoccoaching.com/
He answers some key questions athletes have right now about their health and safety.
And if you're looking f…
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Aug 14, 2020
Ep. 7 - Jay Dicharry on how to stay injury-free
In episode 7 of Fitter & Faster, physical therapist Jay Dicharry joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about injury prevention. Dicharry is an expert in the field of movement and biomechanical analysis and has helped thousands of triathletes overcome injury. He gives some great insights into how to stay injury-free, perhaps the most important of all being learning how to move well and building a body that is strong and robust enough to withstand the many hundreds of miles you want to swim, bike, and run. Dicharry, who is the author of Running Rewired, also talks about some of the biggest mistakes he sees triathletes making and gives us some exercises to help keep injuries at bay.
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Aug 13, 2020
Tri Live: Lucy Charles-Barclay
The three-time Kona runner-up talks to us from her home outside London about living in her gym during quarantine, how she was originally rejected for her pro license, and her eventual Olympic goals. Plus, she shows us her puppy. Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama
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Aug 12, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 21 - Cody Beals practices radical transparency
Canadian pro Cody Beals is known for his open-ness and honesty—and he doesn't hold back here. He talks to us about dealing with pressure after his break-out 2018 season where he won his debut pro Ironman and what specific mistakes he made in Kona last year. He's also very open about his struggles with disordered eating, mental health, and coming out five years ago.
Besides being the Ironman Mont Tremblant course record holder, Cody is best known for his public budgets and training logs. He shares exactly how much he makes (and isn't making this year) and how he won IM MT on 17 hours/week — and how he goes to bed at midnight!
With all that honesty, we thought it'd be be great to also get the other perspective from an endurance sports agent. Chris Douglas from Presidio Sports Management breaks down what makes a good contract, what bad clauses athletes should watch out for, and what the financial future of the sport looks like.
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Aug 5, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 20 - Sam Long's long-term goal is to win Kona
Up-and-comer Sam Long joins us for a fun episode 20. He explains how he got the nickname "The Big Unit," why he's been going after all the KOMs this year, and what he's learned about consistency.
The 24-year-old was on a tear last year, winning back-to-back races and Ironman Chattanooga. This year, he's been dueling it out for KOMs with pro cyclists and runners, and battling with Lionel Sanders on Mt. Lemmon: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/the-epic-kom-battle-taking-place-in-tucson/
Sam talks to us about growing up in Boulder and thinking world champions swimming at your gym were normal, doing his first Ironman before college and going 9:30, and then deciding to go all-in post-college on being a pro triathlete. But he's learned now, though, that you don't have to have epic days every day, consistency is key—that's why he does the same routes and the same workouts every week.
But sometimes he still wants to go after the epic days.
More info on the Garmin outage here too: https…
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Jul 31, 2020
Ep. 6 - Dean Karnazes on pushing limits, finding peace, and racing Kona
In episode 6 of Fitter & Faster ultramarathon man Dean Karnazes joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to chat about some of his epic feats of endurance—and some of his longstanding triathlon dreams. His journey into the ultra world began—unwittingly—on his 30th birthday when he drunkenly set off from a bar on a 30-mile run. Since then, he has run 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states, won the Badwater Ultramarathon, run 148 miles on a treadmill in 24 hours, and plenty more. Perhaps the overarching question for many people is: why? Karnazes answers this question—and more—and the conversation turns philosophical fast. No stranger to triathlon, Karnazes also chats about his experience of multisport, how Dave Scott influenced him early on, and the one race he's not yet done but wants to—Kona.
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Jul 29, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 19 - Craig Alexander just loves triathlon
This week on The Triathlete Hour we talk to the legendary Craig Alexander — 5x World Champ, 3x Kona winner. At 47, Crowie doesn't consider himself retired. (In fact, last year he was still winning the occasional 70.3.) But he's doing it just for fun now and for the love of the sport.
The Australian champ talks to us about the changes he made in his training as he got older, what he learned over the years, and if all the technological changes in the sport are good or not. His main bit of advice: Sometimes you just have to batten down the hatches and ride out the storm.
And first, we give you a very quick sneak peek at our new gear podcast. The first episode: all about carbon wheels!
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Jul 22, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 18 - Lauren Brandon didn't break the finish tape for years
In episode 18 of The Triathlete Hour, we talk to uber-swimmer and Ironman champ Lauren Brandon. Known as one of the nicest people in the pro field, the many-time swim course record holder tells us she felt terrified of biking during her first triathlon—and how she's improved.
She talks about why she made the switch to tri after the swimming Olympic Trials (because she loves it), why she prefers the Ironman distance even though it doesn't benefit swimmers, and how it took her nearly eight years of racing before she got to break a finish line tape. Plus, she gets real about the ups and downs right now during COVID-19 and staying motivated—and what she still has to work on to get faster.
And, first, we chat with age-group athlete, Guy Kornblum about the Ironman VR races—he's done eight—and what his tips are for getting the most out of your virtual racing. Here's our guide to the Ironman VR Championship races: https://www.triathlete.com/events/ironman/ironman-vr-challenger-champi…
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Jul 17, 2020
Ep 5: Ryan Bolton on the art of coaching
In episode five of Fitter & Faster, coach Ryan Bolton—an Olympian who was a member of the very first US Olympic tri team at the Sydney Games in 2000—talks about his journey to top-level coaching. As someone who coaches elite triathletes and elite runners from all over the world, Bolton has a unique viewpoint on what makes a good coach—and how to get the best out of every athlete. He talks about the importance of understanding the art of coaching, not just the science, and gives some fun and intelligent insights into working with top pros such as Ben Hoffman, Heather Jackson, and Sam Long. Bolton chats about the run coaching he's done with elite Ethiopian and Kenyan runners, and how this has helped shape the way he coaches running for triathlon. As co-author of the Triathlete Guide to Sprint & Olympic Triathlon Racing, he also talks about the training plans he wrote for this book, which is available now at Velopress.com.
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Jul 15, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 17 - Mike Reilly is the voice of Ironman
In this week's episode we talk to the Voice of Ironman: Mike Reilly. No, Mike doesn't say his famous phrase ('you are an Ironman') for us—he says that phrase is sacred—but he does reflect back on some of the amazing moments he's seen at the finish lines over the years and that he shared in his book. Plus, how he picks which races to go to, if he ever runs out of things to say, and why he thinks the Ironman midnight cut-off is something unique and special to triathlon.
What is it about Ironman, crossing that finish, and hearing those words that can change people's lives? And why hasn't Mike ever done an Ironman himself?
First, though, you have a chance to nominate women doing great things in the sport. Sara Gross comes on to tell us about the Outspoken Women in Triathlon awards; nominate a woman in one of nine categories by Aug. 31: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrYxxnfR2DJq6offMgUA0tL5FNTg28uATxy5iXva_2bwnRDQ/viewform
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Jul 8, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 16 - Katie Zaferes tries to get better every day
This week, we talk with Olympian, World Champion, and our current cover model, Katie Zaferes. Katie is featured on the front of our July/August magazine issue — which you can get on newsstands now. You can also become an Active Pass member to get a magazine subscription, exclusive content, partner discounts, training plans, two books, and more: https://www.triathlete.com/active-pass/#_active-pass
Katie was supposed to be on her way to the Olympics right now, but she talks to us about how she's adjusting and adapting this year, and how she's found some silver linings. She has advice for spending 24 hours/day with your significant other and training partner — and she tells us the story of how she was engaged to someone else when she met her husband (!).
Although she was a runner in college and a swimmer growing up, Katie took a leap into triathlon when she was invited to the US Olympic Training Center post-college. She had to overcome her fear of technical pack riding and work to g…
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Jul 6, 2020
Tri Live: Gerry Rodrigues
Triathlon swim coach Gerry Rodrigues of Tower 26 joins us from his home in Los Angeles, California to talk about swimming through the pandemic, answer your questions, and give away a few copies of his new book Triathlon Swimming. Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama
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Jul 2, 2020
Ep. 4 - Matt Dixon on the secrets of training and racing success
In episode four of Fitter & Faster, Matt Dixon—head coach and founder of Purple Patch Fitness—talks about how he's built one of the largest and most successful triathlon squads in the world. What started as a sketch of his "coaching vision" on the back of an airplane napkin has now led to him guiding athletes to 300+ pro podiums and almost 300 Kona age-group qualifications. In this episode, Matt covers a lot of ground—from the biggest mistakes he sees athletes making to the common traits he finds in all of his highest-achieving racers. He dishes out some real talk on how to overcome pandemic fatigue and speaks candidly about some of his biggest coaching mistakes, as well as his greatest successes. As a coach who has worked with many world-class athletes, he gives some insights into finding race-day magic, particularly how he helped take pro Tim Reed from overanalyzer to world champion. Matt's work with age-groupers is equally interesting, helping scores of athletes fulfill the…
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Jul 1, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 15 - Ellie Salthouse enjoys the journey
In this week's episode we talk with Australian 70.3 powerhouse Ellie Salthouse about her long journey to success and how she's learned a happy athlete is a fast athlete.
Ellie started out in triathlon as an elite junior, but briefly retired at the age of 20—with hopes of becoming a body builder. That was short-lived, though, and she soon returned to the sport with a new outlook. Although the goal of making the Olympics didn't work out, now she's become a dominant force on the 70.3 circuit and is determined to win the 70.3 world championships—whenever there is a world championships again.
Plus, we chat briefly with Triathlete managing editor Emma-Kate Lidbury about returning to swimming right now after a long break, what concerns athletes have about getting back in the water, and how you can get your questions answered from open water guru Gerry Rodrigues. Here's the three-week guide to getting back to swimming that she mentions: https://www.triathlete.com/training/heres-your-3-we…
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Jun 24, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 14 - Sika Henry wants to be the first African-American female pro
In episode 14 of the Triathlete Hour we talk with Sika Henry, who is trying to become the first female African-American pro triathlete. How did she end up with that goal and why hasn't there been someone before her?
Last year, Sika also had a horrific crash and doesn't remember anything before waking up in the hospital. How do you get back on your bike after that? Plus, she still balances a full-time job and a full-time training load, even with her big goals—something a lot of us will appreciate.
First, though, Triathlete senior editor Chris Foster talks to us about Lubbock 70.3 this weekend—which is scheduled to be the first large triathlon since the COVID-19 pandemic started. What will it look like? And if you don't have races on the horizon, like most of us, then what are your options for putting on a self-supported triathlon?
Read more about how to do a self-supported triathlon: https://www.triathlete.com/training/how-to-build-your-own-self-supported-tri/
This week’s epis…
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Jun 19, 2020
Ep. 3 - Dede Griesbauer on staying fit and fast at 50
In episode 3 of Triathlete’s new training podcast, Fitter and Faster, Ironman champion Dede Griesbauer joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about how she stays fit, fast, motivated, and injury-free—despite being just a few months away from her 50th birthday. Dede is a three-time Ironman champion and Ultraman champion who broke the Ultraman world record earlier this year. In this episode, she uncovers how she still gets the most from her body, shining a light on her training, strength work, self care, sleep and recovery. She talks, too, about the moment at which her doctor told her that her body was "eating itself"—a turning point which forced her to reexamine her approach to fueling and nutrition. As someone who used to work full-time (on Wall Street, no less), Dede has plenty of takeaways and tips for age-group athletes who are looking to get the most from their training while balancing life—and the aging process.
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Jun 17, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 13 - Helle Frederiksen doesn't miss the hard training
In this episode we talk with Danish legend and recently retired Olympian Helle Frederiksen. Helle looks back on her career, how she overcame horrific injuries, and what she has planned now. Hint: She misses some of the training, but not the bury-yourself-go-deep fast stuff.
And she talks about how she's helping others achieve their own goals now.
First, though, race director Gabriela Gallegos answers all our questions about return to racing, what races will look like, and how RDs are balancing the uncertainty.
This week’s episode is sponsored by Whoop, a fitness wearable that provides personalized insights to tell you how recovered you are and how hard you should train for optimal performance. Right now, Whoop is offering 15% off by going to www.whoop.com and using the code ‘TRIATHLETE’ at checkout.
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Jun 10, 2020
The Triathlete Hour ep. 12 - Andy Potts remembers when it all came into focus
The legendary Andy Potts joins us for episode 12 of the Triathlete Hour. He looks back on his 19 years in the sport, how he found his way to triathlon after *just* missing out on the Olympics in swimming, and when he realized he might be good at this. Plus, an extensive discussion on when it's OK (and when it's not OK) to poop yourself during a race, why he's bummed the harder races often get canceled, and how his wife's cancer diagnosis pushed them down a path of chasing what you love. We also promise, in the episode, to share a few of his daughter's Would You Rather... ...be stuck outside on a gnarly weather day or stuck inside on the most beautiful ever? ...lick the salt off of a very salty pretzel or eat the pretzel that someone licked the salt off of? ...travel to the past to talk to yourself or the future to talk to yourself? ...successfully summit Mount Everest or successfully dive the Mariana Trench? And first, a discussion with the amazing Dr. Shaunna Payne Gold on the barrier…
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Jun 5, 2020
Ep. 2 - Matt Bottrill on how to be a better cyclist
In episode two of Fitter and Faster cycling coach and bike guru Matt Bottrill gives us an insight into the intelligent approach he takes to making triathletes the very best bikers they can be. Whether it's training, optimizing aerodynamics, bike fit, pedaling or equipment, Bottrill leaves none of it to chance. A talented cyclist himself, he now coaches scores of age groupers and pros, and has helped the likes of Tim O'Donnell, Tim Don, and Matt Hanson find their optimal power and speed. He talks in depth about what to look for in a good bike fit—and just how important this is if you want to fulfill your potential on two wheels, as well as pedaling effectiveness, aero drills, the key pieces of equipment you need to focus on for optimal aerodynamics, and the types of training that have worked for him and his athletes. He brings fresh eyes to triathlon, using training methodologies that have secured him and his athletes victories and podiums aplenty in the cycling world.
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Jun 3, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 11 - Ben Kanute wants to win 70.3 worlds and an Olympic medal
In ep. 11 of The Triathlete Hour we're joined Ben Kanute, a 2016 Olympian and second place at the 70.3 World Championships. Obviously we asked Ben: Which is harder -- 70.3 or ITU? And which would you rather win?
Ben talks to us, from his hot home base in Arizona, about how he hopes to win medals at both, what he learned when he moved up in distance, and how he balanced racing professionally while going to college at University of Arizona. Plus, his new puppy interrupts.
And first we chat with someone completely different: the #1 ranked Zwift rider in the world, Holden Comeau. He explains what that means exactly and then he gets into the weeds with us about virtual racing — and he thinks of Ironman's announcement that they'll be awarding 70.3 Worlds slots via a series of virtual races.
This week’s episode is sponsored by Whoop, a fitness wearable that provides personalized insights to tell you how recovered you are and how hard you should train for optimal performance. Right now…
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May 27, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 10 - Heather Jackson stays positive
In this week's episode we talk to Kona podium finisher and multi-time Ironman champ Heather Jackson. Known for her constant smile, Heather tells us how she stays so positive and what the deal was with the bananas when she won Ironman Lake Placid.
A former hockey player, Heather was a high school teacher after college and an age-group athlete when she decided to move to San Diego and go pro. Now she's one of the fastest women on the circuit. She tells us how she changed her perspective and what she thinks are the most common mistakes age-groupers make.
Plus, coach Marilyn Chychota talks to us about what athletes are struggling with right now, how to stay motivated, and what her biggest tips are. She talks extensively about figuring out what your motivations are. Here is the worksheet she mentions that you can go through yourself to evaluate your own motivation: https://www.lrcs.uqam.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ems28_en.pdf
This week’s episode is sponsored by Whoop, a fitness wear…
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May 22, 2020
Ep. 1 - Dr. Stacy Sims on nutrition as the 4th triathlon discipline
In this first episode of Triathlete’s new training podcast, Fitter and Faster, Dr. Stacy Sims joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about nutrition and fueling for training, recovery, and performance. Having worked with scores of amateur and professional endurance athletes, Sims has seen it all—and talks candidly about common fueling mistakes and how to fix them, as well as different diet trends and “fads” and how differently they can affect men and women. Known for her academic research into the physiological differences between men and women, Sims leaves no stone unturned when talking about the importance of women tracking their training alongside their menstrual cycle and what a huge impact this can have on performance. Dr. Sims has helped change the conversation about female athletes and their periods—and in this podcast she explains why this is so significant.
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May 20, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 9 - Sarah Piampiano gets real about uncertainty & having a family
In ep. 9 of the Triathlete Hour, Sarah Piampiano opens up about the uncertainty she's facing as a "mature" athlete. This season was supposed to be her last season before she and her husband started a family. But now with all the uncertainty around racing: Does she wait? She's 40: Does she try and come back to racing after having a kid? How do you tackle these questions?
Sarah also talks to us about how she almost quit the sport in 2018. But after months off to re-find her fire, she came back in 2019 and set the third fastest American women's Ironman time in history. After quitting smoking and a 100-hour/week job in finance, she dedicated herself to being the best triathlete she could be. Now what?
And first, we chat about the big news: Ironman postpones Kona 2020 to Feb. 2021. What does this mean for athletes? How will next year play out?
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May 13, 2020
The Triathlete Hour - ep. 8: Jesse Thomas officially retires
In ep. 8 of The Triathlete Hour, Jesse Thomas decides to make his retirement "official." He then looks back on how he got here, his years in the sport, and where he goes from here.
A quick note: In the episode, Jesse jokes that he wrote a goodbye retirement post that he never published. After we finished recording, he agreed to publish that final Triathlete column, which you can now see on our site at triathlete.com/tag/triathlife
This introspective episode with a fan favorite covers everything from sponsor money differences between men & women to how he and his wife, Lauren Fleshman, a 5,000m national champion, balance it all. Plus, what adventures he has his eye on next.
Plus, we give you a sneak peek at a new training podcast coming soon from Triathlete.
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May 12, 2020
Tri Live: Meredith Kessler
Eleven-time Ironman winner Meredith Kessler joins us from her home in Ohio for a Happy Hour chat about how she’s adjusting through this pandemic, balancing training with parenting, her favorite (and worst) Ironman moments, and more. Because this was recorded live as part of our Triathlete Live series, she also takes listeners' questions. You can watch the complete Happy Hour and check out our full series of Triathlete Live videos at triathlete.com/ama
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May 6, 2020
The Triathlete Hour - Ep. 7: Linsey Corbin & consistency
In ep. 7 of The Triathlete Hour, Ironman champ and American record holder Linsey Corbin talks to us during her mini "triathlon sabbatical" about Bend, food, and how her husband's early Youtube videos helped her marketing.
Linsey using an injury right now to practice some self-reflection, figure out her why, and focus on being Linsey the Person—not just Linsey the Triathlete. Plus, we chat about how she's managed to be one of the longest lasting female pros at the top level, returning to Kona 13 times, and how the women's field has improved so much it's forced her to up her game as well.
First, though, our host Kelly O'Mara and endurance sports marketing expert Peter Abraham try to find some answers the big questions triathletes have right now: When will races come back and what will they look like?
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Apr 29, 2020
The Triathlete Hour - ep. 6: Eric Lagerstrom & Paula Findlay live the van life
Triathlon power couple Eric Lagerstrom & Olympian Paula Findlay are well known for their race results, Youtube videos, and their decked out van they travel around the U.S. and Canada in.
In episode 6 of the Triathlete Hour, Eric & Paula talk to us about how they headed to Arizona for a training camp in their van — and found themselves in a unique situation when the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the world. They've been camping, training with their quaran-team, and re-finding their love of the sport. What is it that inspires them to keep going day after day, year after year?
Plus, what it's like when one of them does well at a race and the other doesn't and how they deal with spending 24 hours/day together.
First, though, we have something a little different for you this week: Former pro Dr. Tamsin Lewis talked to us a few weeks ago about contracting COVID-19 and what she would want triathletes to know. We're sharing some of her voice memos here.
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Apr 22, 2020
The Triathlete Hour - ep. 5: Holly Lawrence & coming back from injuries
In ep. 5 of the Triathlete Hour, 70.3 World Champ Holly Lawrence joins our host Kelly O'Mara to explain how coming back from a devastating injury helped prepare her for uncertainty during this COVID-19 pandemic.
She talks to us from her house in LA about why she doesn't ride in the rain, how the World Championships in Nice stressed her out, and if she thinks pro triathletes can be a little boring. Plus, she was preparing to do her first Ironman in St. George — what now?
Senior editor Chris Foster joins us first, though, to help figure out if too many triathletes are getting quarantine injured, why, and what they can do about it.
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Apr 15, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 4 - Tim O'Donnell goes viral
In ep. 4 of The Triathlete Hour, Kona runner-up Tim O'Donnell talks about what it's like to go viral for tripping over his wife, Kona champ Mirinda Carfrae's power cord during her virtual race.
Plus, he chats with Kelly about getting started in triathlon at the military academy, when he felt like he made it as a pro, how he and Rinny met, and how they're getting through the uncertainty right now. Hint: It involves wine.
First, though, Kelly and Sara Gross try to answer the question: Are triathletes taking the social distancing rules seriously? And how do you get intrinsically motivated if there are no races on the horizon?
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Apr 12, 2020
Tri Live: Mirinda Carfrae
The legendary world champ Mirinda Carfrae joined us remotely from her home in Boulder to talk about her training, how she's coping with the uncertainty from COVID-19, and what she tells herself during dark moments in races. Plus, because this was recorded live, she answers questions from listeners via Facebook. triathlete.com/ama
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Apr 8, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 3 - Ben Hoffman & what it takes to win
In ep. 3 of The Triathlete Hour, multi-time Kona podium finisher Ben Hoffman joins us to talk about how he got where he is today.
Ben gets philosophical about what it takes to win Ironman, how the top guys are friends, and why he decided to try to be a pro triathlete in the first place. He and our host, Kelly, reminisce about the 2006 Collegiate National Championships — which launched him into his career. And he explains the concept of the 'virtual race resume.' Plus, they talk about the Pro Triathletes Organization and how Ben's big goal before he retires is to win just once on the Big Island.
First, though, Kelly chats with Jordan Blanco about the new Ironman virtual racing, how it works, what they liked, and what they think needs to get fixed.
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Apr 1, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 2 - Flora Duffy, the Olympics & her 70.3 plans
On the second episode of the Triathlete Hour, Flora Duffy joins us from South Africa, where she’s in lockdown and stuck in the house.
The Xterra and ITU World champ talk to us about what it’s like to be an Olympic favorite and now not have an Olympics to go to, growing up in Bermuda, coming back from injuries and how it took her a decade to become an overnight sensation. Plus, she’s got her eyes on 70.3 Worlds this November and she shares some things she learned from her first 70.3.
Kelly also chats first with Brad Culp about the triathlon landscape, how pros are making a living through all this, and they get into some speculation about what could happen with Kona.
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Mar 31, 2020
Tri Live: Erin Carson
Expert strength coach Erin Carson, who coaches a host of superstar triathletes, joins us in our studio in Boulder to talk all things strength training and answer listener questions about strength, training, and how to adjust your workouts. triathlete.com/ama
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Mar 26, 2020
The Triathlete Hour: ep. 1 - Sarah True & COVID-19
On the first episode of The Triathlete Hour, our host and Triathlete editor-in-chief Kelly O'Mara is joined by Olympian and Kona 4th place finisher Sarah True.
Sarah tells us about what it's like right now dealing with the financial uncertainty of being a pro athlete during the spread of coronavirus, why she decided to race in Campeche 70.3 before travel restrictions went into effect, and how she's focusing on family for the next few months.
As part of the Olympic Selection Committee, Sarah also gives us the inside scoop about the triathlon Olympic selection criteria. And we talk about her ongoing heat issues in races, which led to a series of devastating DNFs in 2019. Can her brain recover and bounce back?
Plus, a quick game of 'would you rather.'
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