Givin It A Tri - Balancing Life 1 Mile At A Time

summary Coach Ken shares essential injury prevention tools and strategies for endurance athletes, emphasizing the importance of smart training, recovery, and listening to your body to stay healthy long-term. key topics Injury prevention starts long before pain appears The stress bucket analogy for training and life stress Importance of smart, progressive training plans Role of strength training in...

In this episode, Coach Ken discusses how to effectively train in the heat, understanding heat adaptation, and managing effort and hydration during summer training for endurance athletes. key topics Heat adaptation timeline and process Effects of heat on heart rate and performance Hydration and electrolyte management in heat Training strategies for hot weather Signs of heat stress and safety precau...

Coach Ken shares essential race strategies and effort management tips for runners of all distances, emphasizing the importance of pacing, effort, and race execution to improve performance and achieve personal bests. keywords running, race strategy, pacing, effort, half marathon, 5K, 10K, race execution, training, endurance key topics Race effort vs. pace Strategies for 5K, 10K, half marathon Impor...

Coach Ken discusses the mental side of endurance training, focusing on building confidence, handling setbacks, and maintaining consistency to improve performance and mental resilience. keywords endurance training, confidence, consistency, micro wins, mental resilience, athlete mindset, training setbacks, motivation vs discipline key topics Mental side of endurance training Building confidence thro...

Coach Ken shares insights on training, setbacks, recovery, and maintaining discipline in endurance sports, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and mental resilience. keywords training, recovery, endurance sports, race strategy, mindset, setbacks, performance, coaching, self-guided athletes, season of life key topics Training setbacks and recovery strategies Importance of controlling t...

 "Hydration and Electrolytes for Endurance Athletes" In this episode, Coach Ken dives into the critical role hydration and electrolytes play in optimizing endurance performance, especially as the seasons shift. Discover practical strategies to stay ahead of dehydration, balance your minerals, and enhance training results. Main Topics: The importance of daily hydration for endurance train...

Summary Coach Ken shares insights on endurance training, race preparation, and overcoming setbacks, emphasizing gratitude and proper training strategies. keywords endurance training, race prep, heart rate tracking, bike fitting, injury recovery, marathon, PR, training tips key topics Endurance training progress and setbacks Heart rate tracking and sensor tips Bike fitting and cycling efficiency In...

Understanding the Fundamentals of Performance Nutrition for Endurance Athletes In this episode, Coach Ken from Giving It A Try breaks down the essentials of everyday fueling for athletes, emphasizing how proper nutrition impacts training, recovery, and performance. This casual yet insightful talk provides practical tips to optimize your diet for endurance sports, especially if you're aiming t...

In this episode, coach Ken shares expert insights on improving running efficiency through cadence, form, and biomechanics. Learn practical tips to reduce injury risk, enhance performance, and make your runs more enjoyable by focusing on technique and smart training strategies. key topics Running cadence and its impact on performance Proper running form and body positioning Biomechanics and efficie...

In this episode, Coach Ken emphasizes the critical role of strength training for endurance athletes. He shares personal experiences, training strategies, and practical tips to build durability, prevent injuries, and enhance performance through targeted strength routines. key topics The importance of strength training for endurance athletes How to structure a strength training program in the off-se...

Unlock the secrets to staying resilient through unpredictable weather, setbacks, and social media noise—plus, how to truly optimize recovery for peak performance. If you're an endurance athlete struggling to find the right balance amid chaos, this episode is your game-changer. Coach Ken dives deep into the raw realities of training, sharing firsthand insights from a recent injury comeback, a...

Summary In this episode, Coach Ken discusses the fundamentals of heart rate training, emphasizing the importance of understanding heart rate zones and how to establish them accurately. He explains common mistakes athletes make regarding heart rate monitoring and the factors that can affect heart rate accuracy during training. The conversation also covers the significance of using proper tools for...

www.ncpdmemorial5k.com - 5k Race Information www.keelbadges.com summary In this episode, Coach Ken discusses the current training conditions amidst a harsh winter, emphasizing the importance of focusing on foundational training concepts in endurance sports. He explains the significance of polarized training, the pitfalls of junk miles and intensity creep, and shares insights on effective training...

Episode Recap Elite endurance results don’t come from training harder—they come from training smarter, longer. In this episode, Coach Ken breaks down the 80/20 training principle and why most athletes plateau by chasing effort instead of executing with discipline. We dig into intensity discipline, the “gray zone,” early-season burnout, and the critical mindset shift from recreational training to a...

In this episode of the podcast, Ken Junior discusses the early stages of the 2026 racing season, highlighting the achievements of coached athletes and the importance of community support in endurance sports. He emphasizes the significance of understanding 80/20 training principles and athlete identity, particularly as athletes transition into more intense training blocks. Ken also addresses the me...

In this episode, Coach Ken from 'Givin' It A Tri' emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear endurance vision for 2026. He discusses how intentional planning and training can significantly impact an athlete's success throughout the year. Ken encourages listeners to reflect on their goals, whether they are new to endurance sports or seasoned athletes, and to create a stru...

In this episode, Ken Junior reflects on the community's recent losses, dedicates his training year to two late athletes, and discusses the importance of setting A, B, and C goals for race planning. He emphasizes the need for consistency in training, warns against the pitfalls of comparison, and encourages listeners to focus on intentional progress rather than trendy fitness advice. The conver...

In this episode, Coach Ken reflects on the year 2025, discussing key themes in endurance training, the importance of strength training, mindset shifts for success, and setting goals for 2026. He emphasizes the value of consistency over intensity, the necessity of recovery, and the importance of viewing setbacks as learning opportunities. Ken also highlights the growth of his coaching community and...

In this episode, Coach Ken discusses the importance of setting goals and creating a roadmap for success in the upcoming year. He emphasizes the need for athletes to craft their personal comeback stories, establish a framework for achieving their goals, and the significance of community support in endurance sports. Coach Ken also highlights the inevitability of setbacks and the importance of having...

In this conversation, Coach Ken reflects on the past year, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and preparation for the upcoming year. He discusses the significance of setting goals, utilizing Training Peaks for tracking progress, managing stress during the off-season, and celebrating achievements. The conversation wraps up with a positive outlook for 2026, encouraging athletes to embrace chall...

In this episode, Coach Ken shares his personal journey of recovery from a meniscus injury, discussing the emotional and physical challenges he faced. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, resilience, and the need to adjust goals during recovery. Ken also highlights the significance of strength training, communication with coaches, and the value of patience in the recovery process. Ultimately, h...

In this conversation, Coach Ken discusses the significance of discipline among athletes, particularly during the off-season. He emphasizes the need for internal goals and consistency in training when external motivators, like races, are absent. The discussion highlights the importance of focusing on strength, nutrition, and sleep to maintain performance and prepare for future competitions. takeawa...

In this episode, Coach Ken discusses the excitement surrounding New York City Marathon week, emphasizing the importance of preparation and mental readiness for athletes. He introduces the concept of goal setting for the off-season, highlighting the need for a structured approach to achieve fitness objectives. The conversation shifts to the balance between intensity and recovery in training, stress...

In this episode, Coach Ken discusses the essential aspects of marathon preparation, focusing on the final weeks leading up to race day. He emphasizes the importance of trusting your training, understanding the marathon distance, tapering effectively, and preparing mentally for the race. The conversation also covers pacing strategies, fueling logistics, and the significance of maintaining a positiv...

In this episode, Coach Ken discusses the transition into marathon season and the importance of utilizing the winter months to build healthy habits. He emphasizes the significance of tapering before race day, the necessity of pacing plans for performance goals, and the mental aspects of long runs. Additionally, he reflects on off-season strategies and personal setbacks, encouraging listeners to foc...