The Triathlon Brick Session

The North Coast 500 is one of the most iconic cycling routes in the world. A challenging 500-mile loop around the rugged Scottish Highlands, it demands resilience, planning, determination, and an ability to keep moving when everything in your body is telling you to stop. In this episode, we sit down with newly ratified North Coast 500 Women's World Record holder, Caroline Livesey, to hear the stor...

In this episode, I chat with Caroline about the importance of carrying spares in triathlon,  especially in long-course racing, and why knowing how to actually use them is just as important as having them. We also discuss Rachel Entrekin’s incredible Cocodona 250 performance, and explore why women often seem able to compete with, and even outperform, men in ultra-endurance events of this distance....

What really happens when the pressure hits, and you’ve got nowhere to hide? In this episode, I sit down with former Special Forces operator Simon Jeffries for a raw, unfiltered conversation on mindset, resilience, and what it actually takes to perform when it matters most. From the realities of selection to the unseen struggles that follow high performance, this isn’t theory, it’s lived experience...

The latest episode of The Brick Session Podcast is now live. In today’s show, Mark sits down with former professional triathlete Collin Chartier for a conversation that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable.  After receiving a three-year ban for a doping violation, Collin opens up—honestly and without deflection- about the decision that changed everything. Why did he do it? What pressures led hi...

In this episode of The Brick Session , Mark is joined by co-host Caroline Livesey for a no-nonsense chat about where triathlon is heading, and who’s quietly buying the keys to the building.  We start with the PTO , who currently appear to be purchasing everything in triathlon that isn’t physically bolted to the floor. Is it smart consolidation, necessary progress, or just the sporting equivalent o...

I recently spoke with Clint Butcher , the founder of EZ Gains , a company that has quickly grown into one of the most respected names in triathlon aerodynamics components in just a few short years.   What makes Clint’s story compelling isn’t just the products,  it’s how the business began. EZ Gains started in the front room of Clint’s home. No factory. No investors. Just an idea, a willingness to...

In today’s episode, Mark is joined by an incredible guest, Gary Howells, fresh off the back of completing the Oman 165, a brutal multi-day ultramarathon set deep in the stunning but unforgiving Wahiba Sands desert of Oman. Covering roughly 165 miles over six days, the event takes runners across rolling dunes, rocky plains, and remote desert landscapes, with long, hot stages by day and basic camp l...

In this episode of The Brick Session, Mark and Caroline dive into the money side of professional triathlon: who’s actually getting paid, where the prize money is coming from, and why only a small group of top athletes can make a real living from the sport. They unpack the structural issues behind the current system, what it means for up‑and‑coming pros, and how the landscape might need to change....

In this engaging conversation, Stephen Derrett shares his journey as a triathlete, discussing his experiences in various races, including the extreme Patagon Man and the iconic Ironman World Championship in Kona. He reflects on the importance of personal growth, respect for fellow athletes, and the challenges of balancing a full-time job with rigorous training. Stephen also opens up about his stru...

In true Brick Session fashion, Mark doesn’t hold back as he unloads on what he famously calls the T100 “cake and arse party” in Dubai — and yes, there may be a bit of swearing, so consider yourself warned. As always, Caroline brings a more balanced perspective as the two of them break down the many factors that led to athletes miscounting bike laps and failing to complete run course. In a thought-...

This week’s episode is packed with racing, travel, and adventure!  Mark and Caroline dive into the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships — the first time this event lands in Europe , hosted in Marbella, Spain . They break down the course specifics , including the challenging hilly bike route that could shape the results. Will this terrain favour the stronger climbers?   They also look at the female pro...

Welcome back to The Brick Session with Mark and Caroline Livesey. In this episode, we dive into a stacked week of endurance sport. Caroline takes us inside her incredible race at the Gravel World Championships, where—at 46 years old—she lined up in the elite field and finished just seven minutes behind the world champion. Mark shares stories from his latest bikepacking adventure across Spain, comp...

In this episode of The Brick Session, Mark and Caroline dive into a packed weekend of racing news, starting with the Ironman World Championships in Nice. With the legendary Kona course giving way to the French Riviera this year, the event sparked considerable debate. Mark and Caroline unpack the brutal bike course that left its mark on the field, reflected in a notably high DNF rate. They question...

In this episode, Mark is joined by his wife, elite gravel racer and former elite triathlete Caroline Livesey, for a jam-packed chat. They tackle why female gravel racers deserve a fair race, unpack the recent TriDot–Ironman coaching split, and debate the pros and cons of using route-finder apps like Komoot. The pair also share their experience racing the legendary Alpe d’Huez Triathlon in France —...

In this episode, I sit down with James Elvery, the creator of RaceRanger, to explore how his groundbreaking real-time drafting detection system is changing the face of triathlon. We unpack the landmark decision by Challenge Roth to publish professional drafting data, why they did it, what it revealed, and how it could reshape how fans, officials, and athletes view fairness within the long course t...

The latest episode of The Brick Session welcomes a voice familiar to many triathlon fans and a name etched into the sport’s UK legacy: Fraser Cartmell —former elite triathlete, Ironman UK champion, and now possible the saviour for Ironman commentary.  This episode isn’t just two former racers chatting—it’s a thoughtful reflection on how triathlon has evolved, how to stay grounded in it, and how vo...

In today’s episode of The Brick Session, Mark and Caroline Livesey return to the mic to break down the big updates shaking up the triathlon world. They dive into the recent changes to the 70.3 and Kona World Championship qualification systems, sharing their thoughts on what this means for age group athletes and the future of the sport. Next up, it’s celebration time as they announce the lucky winn...

In this episode, Mark and Caroline Livesey receive an audio file from a listener who shares their frustrating experience trying to get an accurate injury diagnosis.  After months of referrals and confusion, waiting with persistent pain, he was forced to go private.  But even this wasn't enough.   With their years of experience, Mark and Caroline offer their advice on how to get a quick and accurat...

In this episode of The Brick Session, Mark Livesey sits down with renowned sports scientist Dr. Lindsey Hunt to dive deep into one of the most critical—and often overlooked—elements of triathlon success: racing in extreme heat and humidity. Whether you’re eyeing Kona, Cozumel, or any tropical test of endurance, this conversation is packed with evidence-based insights and practical advice. Dr. Hunt...

In this gripping episode of The Brick Session, host Mark Livesey sits down with former elite triathlete and anti-doping advocate Nate Llerandi to explore one of sport's most controversial topics: why some athletes choose to cheat. From the psychology of performance pressure to the gray areas of intent, Mark and Nate don't hold back when they discuss the motivations behind doping. They also examine...

Welcome to this episode of "Gravel Legends," where we delve into the world of ultra-endurance cycling and spotlight one of its most formidable athletes: Cynthia Carson. Cynthia Carson has rapidly ascended the ranks of gravel racing, earning her place among the elite in ultra-endurance cycling. In 2024, she made history by becoming the first woman to win the Atlas Mountain Race, a grueling 844-mile...

Recognising the signs of over-training is crucial for athletes to prevent injury, burnout, and long-term performance decline. Over-training occurs when an athlete pushes their body beyond its ability to recover, leading to physical and mental fatigue, decreased motivation, and higher injury risk. It often happens when there's an imbalance between intense training and insufficient rest. Athletes ma...

In todays episode Mark and Caroline chat with Griff Easter. Griffin Easter is an American cyclist known for his versatility across road and gravel disciplines. Born on November 6, 1991, in Claremont, California, he has achieved notable successes throughout his career. 2014: Won the 70-mile Division I men’s road race at the USA Cycling Collegiate Road Nationals in Richmond, Virginia, representing F...

In this special episode of The Brick Session , host Mark Livesey welcomes former Welsh international rugby star Alix Popham . A powerhouse on the pitch, Alix earned 33 caps for Wales , playing at the highest level before retiring from professional rugby. However, his career came at a cost—Alix has since been diagnosed with early-onset dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) , condition...

Today, your hosts  Caroline and Mark Livesey  are joined by none other than  elite triathlete James Teagle . James has made a name for himself on the international stage with his grit, determination, and standout performances. But like all great athletes, progression comes from experience, reflection, and adaptation, especially after a disappointing year in 2024. In this episode, we dive into: 1. ...