Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast

We all have those little moments in training that give us thought that we may have the greatest race of our lives. Then, just as quick we think we may DNF. It's a constant battle and the true win comes down to understanding and appreciating execution. It's not about pace on a random Tuesday, it's about building fatigue, recovering, then nailing restraint so that you can execute a race to the best...

Off-season is not really a thing if you want to get better. That doesn't mean you have to thrash and burn all year, but what can you do to get better today. How do you come to terms with "boring" workouts and figure out ways to make them part of an exciting result. Today we talk a lot about patience and restraint, both in training and racing. Plus give a lot of good thoughts think and attack your...

Taper is the ultimate test of patience and while you're not training as much, most athletes waste a tremendous amount of mental and emotional energy. As the race closes in, it's time to focus on confidence and visualizing what might go wrong and how you are going to get through it. Thinking through solutions not problems. The athlete who makes the fewest mistakes is the one who wins their race. To...

The biggest workouts in the hottest part of summer and a race that's close but never seems like it will be here. Sometimes the toughest part of training is staying fresh and sharp as your race approaches. Today we look at ways to take the last month or so before a race and turn them into our biggest mental asset.  Topics:  Camp recap Different people, backgrounds, abilities A melting pot sport Ide...

What's it take to go from beginner, to intermediate to an advanced triathlete? How do you define that and/or your personal journey? The process is the purpose and we all define that differently. Which lens are you looking through when you judge your progress and how will you write your own success? Topics: From beginner, to intermediate to advanced The process to the purpose Lose weight, take life...

Triathlon is a long, complicated process that doesn't always give us clear answers. Today we look for ways to take positives away from "bad" workouts, how to use hope as your "why," and maybe even how to keep this training thing simple (or simpler). We're all a work in progress and paying attention to your life and stress matter in training.  Topics: What's your level of hope? Hope is Interchangea...

Do you practice thinking about decisions you'll face on race day or lost in a world of Swift and Neftlix? If we go through the motions in training, race day stresses become a lot more challenging. What are you doing to prepare for thousands of decisions you'll have to make on race day? Also, distraction by IronTracker, bike handling, and changing how you feel during a race.  Topics: Are We Jaded A...

The swim set the tone. We could see it in their eyes as they got out of the water. Then conditions seemed to get worse. Tough winds on the bike and a hot sunny day made for a tough reality at Ohio 70.3.  Triathlon is an endless puzzle and just when you think you mastered it, there will be another big lesson. Do the best you can and have fun. Topics: Ohio Tough Conditions Be grateful  Good people C...

Should you put more weight on your great workouts or bad? Probably neither because it's a process and everything is a building block. As the pressure builds it's more important to stay level when evaluating yourself. Take a look at where you've come from and figure out how a bunch of "good" workouts are the best way to great.  Topics: The Spectrum of Athletes  Beginner, Improver, Kona Qualifier? S...

Are you piling on mileage just to make sure you're ready? Today we look at Peak Phase and why too much volume can be your worst enemy. Fatigue is a slippery slope and it's important to listen to your body first and understand the true demands of a race and how to train for them. Today, the fine line between volume and intensity.  Topics:  Simulating Race Day FEEL Peak Phase and Volume vs. Intensit...

Do you look at the big picture of your triathlon journey? For many it becomes an endless cycle of similar results and a lot of struggle. Today, we look at things like, why feeling good could be a sign to reign it in and why your upcoming race may not be the thing to hang your hat on. How does today help your tomorrow? Getting unstuck and looking at your Taper in a totally different way.  Topics: ...

A mantra we like to remember for racing is, "Don't believe how you feel at any minute, because it's bound to change." The same goes for training. How many times have we been on top of the world one day and talking about quitting the sport the next? Training is all about not getting too high or too low. Today we look at ways of staying positive on the emotional roller coaster of triathlon training....

"Watches are like the weatherman." – Coach Robbie  FTP Tests, Heart Race, Pace . . . do you look at them honestly, or lean toward the perfect answer? Today we talk about how to be smart (and realistic) when you look at data and maybe why you shouldn't look at all. We've said it before, Long Course racing isn't about who's fastest, it's about who slows down the least. Is this how you race? Topics: ...

Are you drinking too much water? Training for the wrong course? Pushing hard at the wrong times? Today, it's all about why races fall apart, both because in-race decisions and lack of race specific training. We look smart heat acclimation, sweat tests, replicating your race course, and how to nail nutrition. The difference between a decent race and a great one comes down to the little things.  Top...

"Is it getting better, or do you feel the same?" - U2 Triathletes are notorious for experiencing burnout, but we're here to tell you the training isn't the reason. More often it's something in your life that isn't being addressed that can't be solved by triathlon. We look at the Ironman (triathlon) high and search for ways to approach the sport so it's not taking away what it should be giving you....

Sometimes life and this sport can be tough. Ultimately we're not in control, but what else can we do? Maybe an overload of kindness.  ----------------------- Struggling with your Swim? Join our new SWIM SQUAD 12 Month Program and build confidence in the water. You'll get 4 workouts a week, 4 customized video swim analysis, weekly swim tip videos and discounts on our Swim Camps. For more informatio...

Do you get trapped in loops of negative self-talk? This can be a huge burden to carry when training. Today, we look at ways to manage your training so that you keep good energy and build a pattern of confidence. We get rid of "pass or fail" workouts and show how each training session (no matter how small) can be translated into mental preparation for a race. Finish strong, happy, and healthy.  Top...

Triathlon is about getting better at the sport and in life. And along with getting better comes the fun. So who would guess swimming hard in open water then climbing hills in heat on the bike or run could be fun? Satisfaction and confidence ultimately lead to fun because you know you are capable. You SEE it . . . so you BELIEVE it. Today we get into ways triathletes can break cycles and get unstuc...

Are you in triathlon for your next race or to keep getting better? We're on this "age is a number" kick and we believe your best potential is ahead of you. Will you be even better as you age? In 5 years? It's all about committing to the process and of course being patient. Is your two favorite parts of racing, signing up and finishing? Might be time to rethink your approach to the process.  Topics...

Fatigue is one of the most misunderstood concepts in triathlon. We usually want to carry fatigue, but we don't want to be tired. But how do you know the difference? Today, we look at training fatigue and how to embrace it without getting sick or tired. We also take a deep look into the concept of negative split and how it should play a role in training.  Topics: Age is a Number Heat and dew points...

Tulsa wins next Ironman location. Boulder is canceled. Kona goes to Age Group Wave Start. We talk about it all, plus potential new 70.3 locations, the negative impact of Ironman Facebook groups, and the timing of Ironman announcements. We also get into how to pick the race that's best for your emotions and how to show yourself grace in training.  Topics: Ironman Tulsa Is Next More 70.3's On The Wa...

It's Always Safety First for Us! And we are very passionate about Swim Preparation. On a weekend with another IM Swim cancelation and another death in the swim, we talk about ways to make the sport safer. We focus preparation, warm ups, not taking the swim for granted, and competitive waves. Also, looking at Ironman Louisville's new Run Course.  Topics: Help us spread the word with an iTunes Revie...

Do you suffer from "Epic Challenge Syndrome?" What's the cut off line when pushing your body to get faster and stronger? And how do you gauge it? If there's one golden rule in triathlon (especially as we get older) it's "Respect Your Body." Taking things slowly almost always wins. Today we look at ways to produce longer and healthier careers in triathlon and the bedroom (well, kidding on the last...

This is triathlon as a reflection of your life. Are you self aware when it comes to your training? Understand the big picture and/or when to take a day off? Today, we talk about training plans and how they should unfold, understanding boundaries and how recognize when you're getting better. Topics: When to take days off Self awareness  Emotional Investment required for Ironman Poor time management...

Summer just hit like a sledgehammer and it's time to train smart. Today we look at how heat impacts how you train, your pace, and your attitude. We discuss smart ways to keep building speed without getting laid up with injuries or experiencing deep fatigue. Should you spend time in the sauna or ice? What kind of adjustments do you make when doing a hot race?  Topics: Transitioning to the Heat  How...