Simon Ward, Be Battle Ready triathlon podcast - The podcast for strength, resilience, and longevity

In this episode, I chat with Emma Stoney and Katie Gill — athletes, coaches, and the driving force behind Pretty Gritty, a Yorkshire-based community for female triathletes. We explore how they created a supportive space for women in sport, the unique challenges facing female athletes, and how they balance family, coaching, and business. We discuss: How an ankle injury sparked new reflections on ri...

We’re flipping the script! In this special episode of the High Performance Human Podcast, Simon hands over the reins to co-host (and wife) Beth, who takes her first turn in the host's chair — and puts Simon firmly in the hot seat. With zero preparation and no idea what’s coming, Simon fields Beth’s awkward, cheeky, and insightful questions. They dive into: What it’s really like coaching your spous...

This week I'm joined by swim coach and author Paul Eaglestone, whose new book Freespeed offers a simple but powerful approach to improving front crawl technique — especially for triathletes. Paul shares insights from a lifetime in swimming, including his early coaching work with Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee, and why he believes most triathletes can find "free speed" in the water through bet...

In this candid and deeply personal episode, Beth takes the lead to discuss a topic close to her heart—body image and the challenge of making sustainable changes to weight and body composition. Stepping away from racing and performance metrics, Simon and Beth reflect on the psychological, emotional, and practical aspects of health-focused weight management, particularly for those with a history of...

One week after crossing the finish line at Ironman Austria, Beth returns to the podcast to share what the experience really felt like—after the adrenaline wore off. From analysing her performance to navigating recovery, she opens up about the emotional rollercoaster, the lessons she’s taking forward, and how her mindset continues to evolve. Whether you’re planning your own big event or just curiou...

In this emotional and inspiring episode, Simon sits down with Beth to unpack her unforgettable day at Ironman Austria. From tranquil lake swims and smooth alpine roads to an intense race against the clock and searing heat, Beth shares the highs, lows, and mental battles of race day. This is more than a race recap—it's a story of resilience, mindset, and sheer determination. What You’ll Hear: How p...

In this episode, Simon chats with Martin Whitaker — a performance coach and PhD researcher specialising in blood flow restriction (BFR) training — about powerful tools for boosting performance, enhancing recovery, and staying fit for life. Topics Discussed: What is blood flow restriction training and how does it work? Strength and hypertrophy gains with lower loads Case studies from ACL rehab and...

This week, I’m  joined by triple Olympian, world champion cyclist, PhD engineer—and now author—Emma Pooley. From humble beginnings as a cross-country runner to Olympic silver in the time trial, Emma shares her fascinating athletic journey, why she hated cycling at first, and how she learned to love descending. They explore: Why joy—not just performance—should drive training Emma’s candid experienc...

Beth is back! Just two weeks out from Ironman Austria, Simon and Beth chat through the highs and hurdles of her training journey. From emotional breakthroughs in the pool with swim coach Ray Gibbs to navigating the challenges of a new bike setup, nutrition plans, and a warm-up race at Outlaw Half—this episode is packed with insights for any triathlete prepping for race day. Key Topics: Beth’s foll...

You’ve trained for months, followed the plan, and now race day is approaching. But even the best preparation can fall apart without smart execution on the day. In this solo episode, I break down the five essential components of a successful race day plan — helping you avoid common pitfalls and stay calm, confident, and in control. Whether you’re doing a triathlon, long sportive, or any endurance e...

This week, I’m catching up with an old friend and long-time triathlon devotee, Tim Ashelford. With over 35 years in the sport, Tim has quietly built a life around consistent training, minimal injuries, and a mindset that favours long-term health over short-term glory. Together we explore: The early days of UK triathlon clubs (and some very questionable kit choices!) Why Tim chose not to pursue Iro...

What does it really mean to be battle ready? In this episode of the High Performance Human Podcast, host Simon Ward breaks down a smarter, more sustainable approach to health and fitness — one that’s built for the demands of everyday life, not just race day. Forget chasing peak performance 24/7. Instead, Simon explores how to create a balanced, resilient body and mind through consistent training,...

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful conversation, Simon Ward speaks with long-time podcast listener and endurance athlete Dave Hill, who shares his recent journey through an unexpected prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Despite being in excellent health, with a strong training routine, healthy nutrition, and a proactive attitude towards wellbeing, Dave’s story begins with a ro...

Why You Should Listen Aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down. In this solo episode, Simon dives into five practical, science-backed priorities that can help you feel younger, move better, and stay strong well into your later years. Whether you’re an athlete or just want to keep doing the things you love for longer, this episode is packed with real-life-tested strategies to support healthy ageing....

In this solo episode, Simon Ward breaks down six simple but powerful daily health metrics that can help you make smarter training and lifestyle decisions—without being overwhelmed by tech or data. And the best part is they are either free or very cheap to measure. Whether you're an athlete over 50, a weekend warrior, or simply looking to better understand your body, these metrics offer valuable in...

When I trained for my first Ironman back in 1995 — nearly 30 years ago — there weren’t many resources available. That presented a real challenge. It was all trial and error. Fast forward to today, and we’ve got the opposite problem: too much information. With so much out there, it can be hard to know what really matters. The key? Getting the right information — and focusing on the things that actu...

What do you get when you combine a full-distance Ironman with not one but two full Hyrox events? A self-created endurance monster called TRIROX—and that’s exactly what Gaz McNamara is taking on to raise funds for the military charity REORG. (BREAKING NEWS - The event date is now set as 20 Sept, 2025) Gaz, a former military PTI and triathlete with two decades of experience in physical training and...

Army officer. Ironman triathlete. Paratrooper. Kona qualifier. Rosie Wild is no stranger to pushing boundaries—both physically and mentally. In this episode, she shares her remarkable journey from academic Latin scholar to Sandhurst Sword of Honour recipient, and from knee injury to elite endurance athlete. Why You Should Listen: Rosie’s story is a masterclass in grit, adaptability, and quiet dete...

Indie Lee is making waves in the middle- and long-distance triathlon scene. If you missed our 2023 conversation about her journey, be sure to check it out. Today, we’re diving into her 2024 season, filled with incredible results, surprising breakthroughs, and tough disappointments. Indie shares a refreshingly honest insight into the challenges of professional triathlon—from the highs of success to...

The internal body clock—also known as the circadian rhythm—is something you’ve probably heard of. But did you know that every cell in your body has its own internal clock, and they’re not always perfectly in sync? I didn’t either! That’s why I’ve invited today’s guest, Professor Karyn Esser from the University of Florida, to help us explore this fascinating topic. As Chair of the Department of Phy...

Triathlon has been a recognised sport in the UK for 42 years, with the first official event held in 1983. My guest, Steve Trew, was there at the very beginning. Steve has had an incredible career in sport, particularly in triathlon. As one of the UK’s first triathlon coaches, he blended his experience as a competitive runner, triathlete, and personal trainer to help shape the sport—long before for...

What if you could track your body’s readiness, optimise recovery, and boost your overall health—just by measuring one key metric? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Torkil Færø, author of The Pulse Cure, to explore the power of Heart Rate Variability (HRV). While many athletes use HRV to fine-tune their training, Dr. Torkil takes a broader approach—one that puts health first. And as I’ve learned o...

Beth is back on the show as we check in on her Ironman Austria preparation! If you’ve been following along, you’ll remember that Beth had upcoming visits with Louisa (the physio), Ray Gibbs (swim coach), and Phil Burt (bike fitter). (If you missed those discussions, check out the links in the show notes!) Now that she’s completed all three sessions, we sit down to discuss her experiences and how e...

If you’re not familiar with Long Course Weekend (LCW), it’s a unique take on a full-distance triathlon—spread over 2.5 days. The concept is simple: •Swim 3.8K on Friday night •Ride 180K on Saturday •Finish with a full marathon on Sunday The original event took place in Tenby, Wales, following a course similar to the Ironman—though, fun fact, LCW actually came first! Since then, it has expanded to...

At the time of recording this episode, I was in sunny Barbados—where January temperatures soar above 30°C. A stark contrast to the freezing weather I left behind in the UK! While the warm climate is great for a holiday, it presents unique challenges for training. That brings us to today’s topic: heat training. I’m joined by Dr. Lindsey Hunt, Senior Sports Scientist at Precision Fuel & Hydratio...