The REAL Triathlon Podcast

The Real Triathlon Podcast is back fresh off of Oceanside 70.3. Jackson, Nick, Garrick and guest Marc “The Shark” Dubrick break down the race: stingray drama, messy in-water starts, the new 20m draft dynamics, a brutal and technical bike course and fogged visors, plus T1 tactics and who rode/sprinted well. They also trade race-day war stories, grinds-my-gears rants, and training/season plans – raw, funny, and unfiltered. Perfect if you want a race recap with insider details and hot takes. Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases. If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

Course-record holder Jackson Laundry joins Garrick Loewen and Lisa Becharas to talk Oceanside tactics and training, Jackson’s stronger-than-ever run work, and why he’s feeling ready. Lisa shares a raw crash-and-ER story (stitches, tetanus shot and all) and the trio break down weekend races — Geelong and the T100 — including slipstreaming controversies, standout performances (Hayden, KB, Kat, Grace) and broadcast reach. Tune in for race analysis, behind-the-scenes banter, and all the pre-race hype. Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases. If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

This week on The Real Triathlon Podcast, the crew is joined by Ben Kanute fresh off a 2nd place finish at IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas Little Elm, a race defined by a shortened swim, brutal winds, and plenty of chaos. Ben dives into what it actually felt like racing in those conditions, how time-trial starts change the dynamic of a race, and why pros need to rethink how they talk about performance. The conversation gets deep into: The reality of bike power vs speed (and why chasing watts might be holding you back) How aero, efficiency, and race execution matter more than big numbers The danger of “if-then excuses” in race recaps Bike safety, race logistics, and the risks athletes face on open roads Plus, things get weird (as always) with: Wind riding excuses vs bike handling reality IV drips during races (??) Probiotic sodas, hot tub etiquette, and drive-thru patience And a classic Pass or Smash segment It’s equal parts high-level performance insight and absolute chaos with one of the most experienced athletes in the sport. Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases. If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

This week on The Real Triathlon Podcast, Garrick Loewen, Jackson Laundry, and Nicholas Chase break down an absolutely wild Ironman New Zealand, including Trevor Foley’s huge win, Matt Hanson’s massive performance, Kyle Smith’s aggressive race, and what the new 20-meter draft rule could mean for the rest of the season. They also dive into the women’s race with Kat Matthews’ dominant showing. Then things take a turn into classic RTP territory with a conversation on sleep habits, recovery, relationships, race nutrition, Maurten Bicarb, cracked phone screens, courtesy flushes, and the debut of Nicholas Chase’s new segment: “Have You Ever Wondered?” It’s race analysis, triathlon banter, and absolute nonsense in the way only this podcast can deliver.

The Real Triathlon crew — Lisa Becharas, Jackson Laundry, Garrick Loewen, and Nicholas Chase — reunite to talk training load, how to know when to back off, the mental side of recovery, and practical tips for niggles and nutrition. They preview the season openers (Ironman New Zealand, Dallas 70.3 and other early races), debate flying vs. driving to races, equipment trends, and the growing pro start lists. Plus the usual Pass or Smash, Grinds My Gears, and chat about taxes, pool etiquette, and public transit. Honest, funny, and straight-from-the-coach insights for racers and fans.

In this episode of The Real Triathlon Podcast, the original trio is back—Jackson, Nicholas, and Garrick—catching up on sick weeks, conference travel in Nashville, and nagging injuries before diving into how to actually train smart in February and March. They break down: How hard you should be training now if your key races are months away The right mix of volume vs. intensity for age-groupers and pros Using swim sessions for “safe” suffering and open-water prep in the pool Brick training: how much you really need and when to do it Why zone 2 alone won’t make you fast (and where hard VO2/threshold work fits in) Fueling like a pro: eating enough to actually support 25–30 hour weeks They wrap up with “Pass or Smash” (protein shakes, wired headphones, leftovers, jet skis, and more) and “What Spins My Crank,” including Valtteri Bottas’ YouTube, Ironman’s move to YouTube coverage, and the mental boost of finally hitting good workouts after a rough patch. Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases. If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

All four hosts are back for a chaotic, honest catch‑up on what it really looks like trying to train and race at a high level when your body, your bike, and life won’t fully cooperate. Nick and Lisa commiserate about how brutal the transition back to the TT bike can be, how to know when it’s time to tell your coach a session isn’t working, and why short doses of high intensity might be smarter than forcing “hero” intervals. Lisa breaks down the true financial and time cost of an injury—MRIs, PT, long drives, missed races—and Jackson adds what lost race income looks like when a season gets derailed. They also dive into: The hidden cost of sickness and why this winter feels extra savage Whether long-course triathlon is even “broadcastable” and what coverage should look like Hiding your power on Strava: fair game or pointless secrecy? A rapid-fire “Pass or Smash” on papaya, snow, tubeless tire installs, snot rockets on the trainer, and saying “bruh” Nick’s “what grinds my gears” rant featuring barking dogs, groceries, social media, and non‑waxed chains Plus, the crew talks sleep, magnesium, and small habits that might actually keep you healthy enough to race. Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases. If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

Ironman finally pulled the trigger on a long-awaited change: the pro draft zone is officially moving to 20 meters — and the RTS crew wastes no time breaking down what it really means for racing. In this episode, Garrick, Jackson, Lisa, and special guest Nicole dive deep into how the new draft rules could reshape race dynamics, who benefits most, and why this might finally reward strong solo cyclists. They also tackle mixed pro fields, Race Ranger, and whether 20 meters is enough… or just the first step toward 25. Beyond the rule changes, things get personal: Nicole shares her fresh post-op journey from hip labral repair and what recovery looks like for a pro triathlete. Lisa opens up about a surprise metatarsal stress reaction and how she’s navigating yet another “no-run” build. Jackson battles a stubborn parasite picked up in Mexico, breaking down the realities of training through GI chaos and calorie deficits. Garrick drops some major life news with an RTS first: a baby girl arriving this summer. They wrap it all up with a classic Pass or Smash segment covering everything from threshold farming and three 4-hour rides in a week… to pineapple on pizza. Raw, funny, honest, and deeply nerdy — this is one of those episodes that reminds you why racing is hard, recovery is harder, and the triathlon community is special.

Lisa, Nick, and Garrick reunite on the Real Triathlon Podcast for an unfiltered recap of the third annual Cozumel training camp, where jellyfish stings, early morning workouts, and zero bike crashes made for unforgettable stories. The trio dives into the sacrifices athletes make, medical scans, internet trolling, and the high costs (and quirks) of triathlon life—before launching into their signature “Pass or Smash” and “What Grinds My Gears” segments. Full of laughs, honest insights, and the camaraderie that defines the squad, this is the inside look at pro triathlon you didn’t know you needed. Frank Mizerski joins Garrick for the second episode of our bike fit series. In this episode Frank elaborates on common fit issues, red flags and equipment mistakes. Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases. If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

Frank Mizerski is one of Canada’s leading bike fitters, a RETUL Master Fit certified expert with over 15 years of experience fitting out of his shop, Racer Sportif in Oakville, Ontario. He’s been working with athletes of all levels from professionals to first-time triathletes. He’s also a partner and product developer with Aquila Cycles and Realspeed Cycling, bringing a performance-driven, athlete-first perspective to everything he does. You can find out more from Eryn here: https://adventuresofhealth.com/about If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

In this episode of the Real Triathlon Podcast, the hosts discuss their personal updates, training strategies, and the importance of building better habits as they enter the new year. They delve into the significance of training partners and group dynamics in triathlon, share insights on the T100 Contender Series, and outline their upcoming race plans. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of triathlon and the need for collaboration among athletes, concluding with reflections on the future of the sport and the excitement of the new year. You can find out more from Eryn here: https://adventuresofhealth.com/about If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

In this episode of the Real Triathlon Squad podcast, we discuss various topics related to the triathlon community, including updates on new professional athletes joining the team, reflections on personal racing beliefs, and the importance of community and friendship in the sport. They also delve into the realities of professional racing, strategies for racing, and the impact of drafting rules. The conversation highlights the fears and aspirations of the athletes as they look towards the future and the legacy they wish to leave in the sport. You can find out more from Eryn here: https://adventuresofhealth.com/about If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

This week on The Real Triathlon Podcast, we're joined by Steph Clutterbuck for a refreshingly candid conversation! Steph shares the profound challenges of her 2023 season, including a diagnosis of Myocarditis and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and how these health hurdles forced her to redefine her relationship with training, metrics, and even her "off-season." Dive deep into the less glamorous realities of pro triathlon, discover Steph's secret competitive dreams (involving horses!), and learn about her surprising aversion to open water swimming. We also explore her insights on the support for women's racing and the groundbreaking decision behind her OnlyFans sponsorship. Steph candidly discusses how this platform empowers her to fund her career, share authentic content, and connect directly with fans, all while challenging industry norms and championing a new model for athlete support. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the unfiltered life of a professional triathlete!

In this episode, we engage in a deep conversation with Eryn Kubinski about mental health, motivation, and personal growth in the context of sports. We explore the importance of self-reflection, the power of positive thinking, and the necessity of accountability in achieving personal goals. Eryn shares practical techniques for managing anxiety, reframing negative thoughts, and embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth. The discussion emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with inspiration and finding lessons in challenges, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and resilient mindset. You can find out more from Eryn here: https://adventuresofhealth.com/about If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

In this episode of The Real Triathlon Podcast, the hosts discuss the growth of their podcast, share experiences from the Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells race, and highlight the performances of various athletes. They delve into the controversies surrounding drafting rules in triathlons and emphasize the importance of the off-season for athletes, including goal setting and self-discovery in the sport. In this episode, the hosts reflect on their experiences from the past season, discussing the lessons learned and how they plan to implement these insights into their training and racing strategies for the upcoming year. They emphasize the importance of intentional training, accountability, and the impact of social media on athletes. The conversation also touches on their upcoming race schedules and the support they receive from their community through Patreon. If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

In this episode of the Real Triathlon Podcast, the hosts discuss their recent experiences in triathlon and cross country races, including insights into competition dynamics, injury challenges, and team strategies. They also share their thoughts on upcoming races, health considerations, and the impact of illness on performance. The conversation shifts to gift ideas for triathletes, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses and the value of proper gear. The episode concludes with personal training updates and aspirations for the future. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various topics surrounding sleep, innovative products for better rest, and thoughtful gift ideas for triathletes. They share personal anecdotes about their sleep habits, discuss the effectiveness of sleep technology, and explore practical gifts that can enhance an athlete's performance. The conversation also touches on budgeting for holiday gifts and the importance of supporting local bike shops. As they reminisce about their past, they share nostalgic memories and photos, creating a light-hearted and relatable atmosphere. If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here! Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

The conversation explores the humorous side of coaching, particularly the idea of coaching animals like cats versus humans. It highlights the challenges of human coaching, including backtalk, and presents a light-hearted perspective on the potential ease of coaching pets. The discussion also touches on the financial aspects of coaching choices and the unique insights that can arise from unconventional coaching methods.

Owner of CLASH Endurance, Bill Christy joins Nick today as they have been friends for quite some time. Bill has gone above and beyond to help grow this sport, finds ways to take care of professionals over the years and really create something special in North America for all endurance sports. The conversation delves into the importance of community engagement in triathlon training, emphasizing the need for creating opportunities beyond traditional race formats. It highlights a mindset stuck in the past and the necessity for evolution in athlete development. Clash Endurance puts the athlete experience 100% first and aims to fill in on regional races that are better on your pocket book and your family experience. What Bill and his team does is incredibly special and we are so lucky to have this group working to keep Triathlon alive from the ground UP.