The Triathlete Hour

This week we talk to pro triathlete turned Fastest Known Time record holder Alyssa Godesky. Alyssa is known for her Ironman finishes and back-to-back Ironman top tens on consecutive weekends, but a few years ago she was looking for a new challenge. That's when she found Fastest Known Times—FKTs. First, she took the fastest known time on the Vermont Long Trail and then this year she went after the Adirondack High Peaks. FKTs exploded in popularity this year and Alyssa explains to us all the logistics and the fun, and why triathletes should tackle one. Here's everything you need to know about triathletes and FKTs—and why you should try one. And first, we want to make sure you aren't missing out on our training and gear podcast, Fitter & Faster, which has moved to its own feed. We share a short excerpt from last week's episode on training zones, but be sure to subscribe to get all our training and gear info at: Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud

What are training zones? Why are they important? How do you establish your own training zones? Join host Emma-Kate Lidbury as she uncovers all you need to know on the subject, starting with the basics of training zones across all three sports (and how they differ!) and then getting into the weeds with coach and Olympian Ryan Bolton. Ryan shares his preferred benchmark tests, how to establish training zones from those tests, and common mistakes he sees athletes making when it comes to training zones. Bolton also answers questions from listeners. Then, we're joined by Triathlete's senior editor and resident gear guru Chris Foster, who talks through all the must-have gear for using training zones while running, biking, and swimming.

This week, we talk to a very special guest, Todd Crandell. An addict, who hit rock bottom, Todd found redemption in exercise and, ultimately, in Ironman. He's gone to help and inspire thousands of others. Though his story's been told many times before—including by us—he opens up here about some of the aspects of founding Racing for Recovery, training addicts and some of the specific issues they face. He tells us about the things he's learned over the year, the power of Ironman, and some advice that's good for anyone. We also open with our Sid Talks segment with Laura Siddall, chatting about building habits and resolutions. We also talk about Ironman being sold out in North America and what we expect this year. It's a show about how to find a healthy life and the role triathlon can play for all of us.

Barry tells us all about how he first got into triathlon in the 80s in Omaha, how he left a job as a top exec in the food industry to start a multisport company, and how he found adventure racing — and some of his craziest hallucinations during multi-day races. Barry has been in the sport for a long time, and he has a lot of insight about it what triathlon gets right and what it gets wrong. While he's waiting for inspiration for his next adventure, he's also been writing columns for us. Check them out here: https://www.triathlete.com/byline/barry-siff/ And Laura Siddall joins us again for Sid Talks. She'll be giving us the fun breakdown and the gossip from around the world of tri every week. This episode, we talk about this time of year when sponsorship contracts all come up, what companies are looking for from pro athletes, and what fans want to see from their pros. Plus, what we think are the off-season trends. We mention Renee Kiley's story, which you can read here: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/people/how-renee-kileys-weight-loss-journey-became-a-pro-tri-career/

In episode 12 of Fitter & Faster, Selene Yeager joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk all things menopause. As a writer, author, athlete and coach, Yeager has an impressive background in the endurance sports world, but she says it's only in recent years—since devoting much of her work to the impact of menopause on athletic women—that she has truly found her life calling. As the host of the podcast Hit Play Not Pause, she has helped thousands of women learn more about the previously-ignored and taboo topic of menopause—and in this episode of Fitter & Faster she talks in detail about its far-reaching mental, physical, and emotional consequences and how best to mitigate them. There's plenty for women and men of all ages to learn from.

Fan-favorite, Ironman champ, and Kona podium finisher Heather Jackson joins us for Triathlete Live—where she answers questions from listeners about her training, gravel racing, favorite movies, and plans for next year. This Triathlete Live is presented by Tonal, the smartest home gym: https://www.tonal.com/?utm_source=trimag&utm_medium=display Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama

This week we've got a short and fun episode for you, with some of our favorite clips from the year—starting with our very first episode with Sarah True: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/the-triathlete-hour-podcast-sarah-true-flora-duffy/ We also look back on some fun insights, like Ben Hoffman's explanation of the "virtual race resume," Andy Potts' explanation of when it's OK to poop yourself in a race, and Cody Beals description of the funky math that goes into calculating your "average" training week. Listen to all the full episodes: Ben Hoffman: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/the-triathlete-hour-podcast-ben-hoffman-wants-to-win-in-kona/ Andy Potts: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/the-triathlete-hour-podcast-andy-potts-remembers-when-it-all-came-into-focus/ Cody Beals: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/people/the-triathlete-hour-podcast-cody-beals-practices-radical-transparency/ Plus, the legend Craig Alexander shared his tips, what he would tell a new up-and-comer now, and what he learned over the years: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/people/the-triathlete-hour-podcast-craig-alexander-just-loves-triathlon/ We'll be taking a break for the next two weeks, and we'll be back in the new year with new episodes. Get outside, stay healthy, and have a great holidays!

Last year, Taylor Spivey missed locking in her Tokyo Olympic team qualification by seven seconds—and now she's had a lot of time to think about it thanks to COVID. When lockdowns happened, Taylor stayed in Portugal by herself—eventually loading up her car and crossing her fingers to get through two borders to her boyfriend, World #1 Vince Luis, in France. She tells us how they met and what it's like to be dating someone on a different squad and competing for a different country. Who's got the household mixed team relay title? Taylor grew up swimming and competing in lifeguarding competitions in California. She talks to us about getting started in triathlon while studying abroad as an architecture student in Italy. After she decided to go all-in on triathlon, she had a horrific crash and had to crutch around backwards. How did she stick at it? And how did she go from that to where she is now? First though: Laura Siddall joins us again for Sid Talk to give us all the breakdown from the PTO Championship race in Daytona this past weekend. You can also check out our analysis of the race: https://www.triathlete.com/events/last-weekend-now-the-pto-championships-daytona-edition/

British ITU star Jodie Stimpson just missed out on being named to the Olympic team THREE TIMES. But she doesn't let that get her down. She just loves triathlon and loves to train. All she ever wanted to be was an athlete. She talks to us about how she's changed her goals over the years, how she keeps at it and stays motivated, and how she got through this tough year. Her dad, who was her biggest supporter, passed away at the beginning of 2020 and it's been hard. She talks to us about how she's gotten through it all—and what she's looking forward to in the future and why she thinks in some ways she's just getting started. And she explains the difference between a Brummie and a Yum Yum. Plus, Laura Siddall joins us for a new segment, where she'll give us the breakdown on what's happening in the tri world each week. This week, she gives us the full breakdown from on-the-ground in Daytona in advance of the biggest race of the year, the PTO Championships in Daytona, Florida this weekend. We'll have more info on how to watch and who to watch, stay tuned!

Today we talk to the winner of the recent Ironman Florida race, Chris Leiferman. Chris tells us what it was like to win an Ironman in the midst of a pandemic—the good and the bad. Chris was also 10th at Kona last year and talks us about the secret to having a breakthrough. (Hint: There is no secret.) We talk about how he eats plant-based, how his wife is his biggest fan and biggest critic, and how he finally solved a long-term injury the other week while sitting in his living room. Chris doesn't have a huge social media presence, so you might not know his name—but get to know him. He's got his head down, doing the work. And first, we talk to someone you may know: Joanna Zeiger. The Olympian and 70.3 champion is now doing something completely different: studying cannabis. She talks to us about what we do know when it comes to cannabis and athletes, and what we don't know. Read our story on the challenges of cannabis research in sports: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/what-researchers-know-and-dont-know-about-cannabis/

This week, we talk to the global head of officiating for Ironman, Jimmy Riccitello. Jimmy started out as a pro triathlete in the late 1980s and through the '90s and into the early 2000s. His annoyance with some of the rules early in his career prompted him to get involved in trying to get them changed—and led him to find out how much work goes into developing rules for a race. Now, as Ironman's head referee he's been working on global consistency in the rules. He talks to us about his officiating philosophy and some rule issues he wishes people knew about. We used to do a column with Jimmy called Ask A Ref, and here he answers some common issues and tricky situations we've all had to deal with in races. Plus, if you have a ref question for us to bring the column back, leave it in the comments or send it to [email protected] Ask A Ref: https://www.triathlete.com/tag/ask-a-ref/ Remember: Officials aren't the bad guys. You want them out there.

In episode 11 of Fitter & Faster, endurance coaches Joe Friel and Jim Rutberg join host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about the indoor cycling phenomenon. As co-authors of the book Ride Inside, Friel and Rutberg have examined every aspect of indoor cycling—from the equipment and training benefits to the evolution of what is fast becoming a sport in its own right. Friel, who is the co-founder of Training Peaks and has been involved in triathlon for more than 40 years, also gives his insights into getting the most from your training (in triathlon, not just for indoor cycling), as well as how to learn from some of the biggest mistakes he sees athletes make. The show concludes with a look at the future of indoor riding and where gamification will go in the next five years. You can use code RIDEINSIDE for 15% off the Ride Inside book, available from velopress.com.

Three-time Ironman world champion Mirinda “Rinny” Carfrae and multiple Kona podium finisher Tim O’Donnell joined us from their home in Boulder, Colorado to talk all things triathlon and family. O’Donnell will race in next month’s PTO Championship at Challenge Daytona, while Carfrae is preparing to welcome their second child later this year. This Triathlete Live is presented by Tonal, the smartest home gym: https://www.tonal.com/?utm_source=trimag&utm_medium=display Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama

On this week's episode we talk to retired Kona podium finisher Rachel Joyce. Rachel quit her job as a lawyer in the UK to become a pro triathlete—and then did terrible! She struggled and was hurt and came in last or second-to-last. How did she go from that to coming in second in the world? Rachel shares with us what she changed, what she wish she'd known, and how she eventually finished on the Kona podium three times and won the ITU Long-Course World Championships. Plus, the major difference now that she's retired: being less tired. And first, we talk to mental endurance coach Vanessa Foerster about how to deal with all the stress and anxiety in the world right now. She wrote earlier this year about managing the emotions from the pandemic—and coming out stronger from them: https://www.triathlete.com/training/how-the-emotions-youre-feeling-from-the-pandemic-can-help-you-become-a-better-athlete/ Be kind to yourself, and keep training!

The Olympic gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen talks to us this week about why she left triathlon behind to pursue a running career—and why she doesn't listen to the online forums telling her she can't do it. She believes in herself. Gwen was a swimmer growing up and left swimming to pursue running—and left running (and her accounting job) to pursue triathlon after a whole lot of convincing from other people. She then found herself at the Olympics 18 months later. She tells us what it took to win gold, how her now-husband went all-in on supporting her for that goal, and why she left it all to go after a marathon medal. She's now trying to make the Olympics in the 5K or 10K and has been training with the Bowerman Track Club. We get some details about what that's been life, how she came back from surgery last year, what her plans are post-Tokyo, and why she's gotten more involved with social justice issues. Will we see her come back to triathlon?

The legendary Mark Allen joins us for the week that would have been leading up to the Ironman World Championships -- to talk about how the sport's changed, his coaching and training philosophies, and to share some wisdom. Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama

This week, we've got a bunch of short fun things for you. First, our senior digital editor Liz Hichens give us the lowdown on the new Ironman COVID-19 protocols. Liz lays out what the rules and processes were at Arizona 70.3—the first Ironman brand event in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic—and she tells us how it went and what athletes can expect at races in the near future (including the upcoming Ironman Arizona). For more insight and photos of the race set-up: https://www.triathlete.com/events/ironman/what-the-first-ironman-brand-event-in-the-u-s-since-the-pandemic-looked-like/ Then, our writer Brad Culp gives us his predictions and preview of the biggest race of the year, the PTO Championships in Daytona in December. The top 50 men and top 50 women in the world (plus 16 additional invites)will race for $1 million across a unique distance. It's one of the first times we'll see the top short-course and long-course stars battle it out together. Read his full preview here: https://www.triathlete.com/events/field-set-for-star-studded-pto-championship-in-daytona/ And then we talk with our managing editor and six-time 70.3 champion, Emma-Kate Lidbury, about how she went from dreaming about working for a big newspaper in the UK to dreaming about being a pro triathlete. Emma-Kate first found triathlon when she was assigned to cover a race for the newspaper she worked at—and she never looked back. She tells us about quitting her job, moving to the US, going all in, and how she was supposed to move in with a homestay for three weeks and ended up staying for three years. Plus, what she wished she had known when she started and her craziest race stories. This episode is brought to you by MitoQ: https://www.mitoq.com/poweruptriathlon?utm_campaign=pr_pr_putri&utm_content=pr&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=triathlete

In this episode we talk with two-time Ironman champ Sara Gross, who tells us about how she started triathlon while at grad school in Scotland, improved while training with Faris al-Sultan in the Middle East, and finally won an Ironman after being ready to quit the sport. She tells us what that was like, what changed, how the Kona field used to be bigger back in the day, and how the sport has changed. She also tells us all about the media company she founded since retiring (https://livefeisty.com/), how Crossfit is going, and if she's seen Prince Harry in Victoria, Canada. Plus, her daughter interrupts us. First, though, Thorsten Radde—the official statistician of triathlon—talks to us about how he creates his ratings and rankings, what does depth mean, and who he predicted would have won Kona—and who will win Daytona. Check out all his ratings at: https://www.trirating.com/ This episode is brought to you by MitoQ: https://www.mitoq.com/poweruptriathlon?utm_campaign=pr_pr_putri&utm_content=pr&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=triathlete

In episode 10 of Fitter & Faster, strength and conditioning coaches Erin Carson and Kate Ligler join host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk all things strength. Carson and Ligler, who work with a number of top pro and age-group triathletes in the gym, give an insight into how their training helps athletes get the most from themselves and their bodies—enabling them to move better, feel better, and become more "injury-proof." They explain how strength work is not just lifting heavy weights and talk about the importance of mobility, stability, and flexibility too. As we approach the winter, they also give insights and advice on how to approach your off-season strength work so that you're ready to hit 2021 feeling stronger, fitter, and faster.

This week we talk to Jocelyn McCauley. The Ironman champ is, in some ways, best known for almost beating Wold Champion Daniela Ryf last year at Ironman Texas. We talk about that and what it takes to believe you're as good as anyone in the world—plus how she went from Kona amateur champ in just her second Ironman ever to top ten in the pro field. You can read our 2015 story about her back when she was a nurse and age-group athlete: https://www.triathlete.com/events/ironman/on-the-fast-track-from-newbie-to-kona-amateur-champ/ We talk about how she and her husband weighed the pros and cons of going pro, how she involves her daughter in her training, and the role her faith plays in her life. Jocelyn is Mormon and doesn't race on Sundays—even when that means skipping the 70.3 World Championships. We talk about why she made that decision and what kind of response she gets in the sport. Plus, stereotypes, trash talking, and having fun. Hope you enjoy! This episode is brought to you by MitoQ: https://www.mitoq.com/poweruptriathlon?utm_campaign=pr_pr_putri&utm_content=pr&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=triathlete

This week would have been the week we all gathered on the Big Island for the Ironman World Championships. With Kona canceled, we're looking back instead of the 42 years of the event with the sport's de facto historian Bob Babbitt. Bob has been at every race since he did one of the first Ironman events back in 1980. He remembers all of his favorite moments and he tells us how the sport has changed (and how it hasn't!) over the years. You can listen to Breakfast With Bob and Bob's other interviews here: https://babbittville.com/ Plus, our editors share their favorite Kona moments. Share your's with us too. We're looking back at everything that shapes Kona: https://www.triathlete.com/collection/ironman-world-championship/ And be sure to vote in our King & Queen of Kona bracket for who's the best athlete of all time: https://www.triathlete.com/events/ironman/help-us-pick-the-king-and-queen-of-kona/ This episode is sponsored by MitoQ: www.mitoq.com/poweruptriathlon

This week we talk to Skye Moench. The Salt Lake City based accountant quit her fancy job and turned pro when she was still an age-grouper because she believed she could be great. Last year, she won her first big title—the Ironman European Championships—in dramatic fashion, when Sarah True collapsed a half-mile from the finish line. Skye was set to make her debut in Kona when, three weeks before, on a training ride, she found herself laying on the side of the road—with no idea how she got there. She talks to us about the crazy crash, the intense recovery, and the emotional ups-and-downs of getting back in the saddle just as COVID hit. Plus, Skye helped organize last week's DIY pro race—the Bear Lake Brawl—which was the first pro prize purse in the U.S. since the start of COVID. Here's our story about the event: https://www.triathlete.com/events/come-hell-or-cold-water-pros-brawl-adapt-at-bear-lake/ Skye tells us what she did to go from pretty good to really good, why she's always believed in herself, and what it's like to sit on the Pro Triathletes Organization's board with the big names of the sport. Plus, don't forget to put on your own races and sign up for Hawaii From Home by this Sunday: https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/Boulder/hawaiifromhome This episode is sponsored by MitoQ: www.mitoq.com/poweruptriathlon

In 2017, Angela Naeth contracted Lyme disease. After winning countless 70.3 and full Ironman races, she struggled to walk and suffered from mysterious debilitating pain. But in 2018, she came back to get 8th at Kona. Now she's going through intense treatment during this off year. She tells us about what it's been like, how she decided to become a pro triathlete at the age of 27, and why she wants to keep racing forever. She also talks about all the different projects she's been involved in—and how her age group team brings her joy and camaraderie. For more info on Lyme disease, which we talk about extensively: CDC's symptoms of untreated Lyme: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index.html LymeDisease.org: https://www.lymedisease.org/ And first we chat with our senior editor, Chris Foster, who headed to the first big pro race in the US this weekend. He tells us why small grassroots races are attracting huge and competitive pro fields, and how this might be the future of the sport. This episode is sponsored by MitoQ: www.mitoq.com/poweruptriathlon

Our Sept/Oct cover star and American Ironman record-holder Linsey Corbin joins us from her house in Bend. How she's been training (or not) during COVID, how she started in triathlon, and how much she eats in a day. Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama

In Episode 9 of Fitter & Faster, sports psychologist Jeff Troesch joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about the importance of mental training. Troesch has worked as a sports psychologist and mental coach for more than 30 years with both pro and amateur athletes across a wide range of sports, including track and field, surfing, tennis, golf, and triathlon. He's helped lead pro triathletes to world and regional championship titles, while also guiding amateurs to fulfill their full potential.

In our first in-person interview at our studio in Boulder, we chat with pro triathlon couple Justin Metzler and Jeanni Seymour—who have 15 70.3 wins between them. The young duo have had a few breakthroughs in the last few years and a few disappointments. We talk about their five-year plans, how they're still figuring out what works and what doesn't, and what it's like to move halfway around the world on your own. Jeannie also opens up about how she struggled some with her mental health, especially after a disappointing Kona debut last year, and how Justin has helped her find a breakthrough in her performances. Good thing she agreed to go on a pity date with him! Plus, they both have different answers to our 'would you rather' question. And first up, we chat with one of our writers, Susan Lacke, about the second installment in her Endurance Geek series—all on the science of sports bras. Read the whole here: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/supportive-science-the-quest-to-build-a-better-sports-bra/ This episode is sponsored by MitoQ: www.mitoq.com/poweruptriathlon

Episode 8 of Fitter & Faster sees Triathlete Magazine's editor-in-chief Kelly O'Mara and senior editor Chris Foster join host Emma-Kate Lidbury for a Triathlete Editors' Roundtable. The trio—who between them have more than 50 years' experience in the sport—discuss some key triathlon topics from both an athlete perspective as well as an editorial one: What are the most common questions we receive from readers? What are the biggest mistakes made? What were our biggest mistakes? We also discuss some of the greatest challenges triathletes face, such as time management, nutrition, and injury prevention—and give some insights into how we've learned to tackle these.

This week we’re talking to the Purple Tiger, Rach McBride. Rach tells us about why they picked triathlon over genetics counseling, playing the cello, or working in sexual health—all of which were options. We also talk about why ADD might be good for triathlon and whether a GPS PR for a 1:20 half-marathon goal counts or if you have to run it on a certified course. And Rach will head to the self-organized Canadian Pro Championships coming up. In the second half of the episode, we spend a long time talking about why Rach came out as gender non-binary earlier this year, at the age of 42, and how the decision made them feel like they finally didn’t feel out of place anymore. (FYI: This means Rach goes by the pronoun 'they' and so we’ll refer to them that way throughout this episode.) We have a long talk here about what gender non-binary means and why it was important for Rach to be honest about who they are. Here's the story we did on Rach's decision earlier this year: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/people/rach-mcbride-didnt-intend-to-become-a-non-binary-gender-advocate-for-triathlon/ And, as mentioned, here are some additional resources and articles about what gender non-binary means: Understanding Non-Binary People (The National Center for Transgender Equality): https://transequality.org/issues/resources/understanding-non-binary-people-how-to-be-respectful-and-supportive 'The Struggles of Rejecting the Gender Binary' (NYT): https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/04/magazine/gender-nonbinary.html Model Policy on Non-Binary Athlete Inclusion (Athlete Ally): https://www.athleteally.org/model-policy-transgender-inclusion/ This episode is sponsored by MitoQ: www.mitoq.com/poweruptriathlon

This week is all about swimming. We talk with uber-swimmer, Ironman champ, and first out of the water at Kona Haley Chura. Haley won a national championship as a swimmer at the University of Georgia, competed in the Olympic Trials, and only got her start in triathlon after a bet with her boss at her accounting firm. Now she's an Ironman champion and has traveled all over the world racing, but she never would have imagined this is the turn life would take. She also talks to us about racing the Olympic Marathon Trials back in February—one of the craziest experiences of her life, just two weeks before the world took a turn and she went into quarantine. If you want to listen to Haley's Ironwomen podcast she mentions: https://livefeisty.com/ironwomen/ And, first, we talk to the head of research for the Norseman extreme triathlon. Jorgen Melau tells us all about what they've studied in their athletes, what they've learned about cold water, and what changes they make. He also talks about swimming induced pulmonary edema(SIPE). If you want to read the story he mentions, as part of a series we're doing on the science behind endurance sports, it's an exclusive to Active Pass members: https://www.triathlete.com/training/solving-the-mystery-of-swim-deaths Triathlete Hour listeners can get 15% off the Triathlete Pass membership right now, using the code "trihour15" at https://www.triathlete.com/active-pass This episode is sponsored by MitoQ: https://www.mitoq.com/poweruptriathlon

This week we talk to USAT board member and former national team athlete Ben Collins. After winning a number of 70.3s, the New York City Triathlon, and countless other races, Ben's last full year of pro racing was in 2017. But don't call him retired. Now he's training with and guiding blind Paralympic athlete, Aaron Scheidies — and they're going for gold in Tokyo. Ben tells us what it's like to guide, what training is required, and why he enjoys it more than racing solo right now. The other thing Ben's enjoying in post-pro life? Making up his own triathlon adventures. See the full video Ben and Chris' DIY triathlon: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/diy-tri-get-inspired-to-put-on-your-own-triathlon-adventure/ We also chat (and laugh) about the highs and lows of being a pro, what advice he gives to new athletes, and what being a USAT board member means. Looking for your own adventure? Our managing editor Emma-Kate Lidbury has all the details about our Hawaii from Home virtual event -- 140.6 miles, 7 days. Register and more information: https://www.triathlete.com/collection/hawaii-from-home/ This episode is sponsored by MitoQ: https://www.mitoq.com/

This week we talk to former pro runner(and 10K national champion) Chelsea Sodaro. A few years ago, after many injuries and a disappointing 2016 Olympics run, she made the switch to triathlon—and has already seen success, winning multiple 70.3s and taking 4th at the 70.3 World Championships this past fall. Chelsea talks about why she's having fun now, what she's learned, why she decided to stop chasing the Olympic dream and move to 70.3 (hint: it has to do with staying close to her family), and how she's evaluated her big goals during this stressful time. Despite a few internet issues, this is an insightful conversation and full of great information. Bear with us! Plus, you'll want to hear what her running PRs are... And first we talk to Jeff Sankoff, an ER physician, triathlete, and coach who runs TriDoc coaching and puts on the TriDoc podcast: https://tridoccoaching.com/ He answers some key questions athletes have right now about their health and safety. And if you're looking for more information about our virtual event, Hawaii From Home: triathlete.com/hawaiifromhome

In episode 7 of Fitter & Faster, physical therapist Jay Dicharry joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about injury prevention. Dicharry is an expert in the field of movement and biomechanical analysis and has helped thousands of triathletes overcome injury. He gives some great insights into how to stay injury-free, perhaps the most important of all being learning how to move well and building a body that is strong and robust enough to withstand the many hundreds of miles you want to swim, bike, and run. Dicharry, who is the author of Running Rewired, also talks about some of the biggest mistakes he sees triathletes making and gives us some exercises to help keep injuries at bay.

The three-time Kona runner-up talks to us from her home outside London about living in her gym during quarantine, how she was originally rejected for her pro license, and her eventual Olympic goals. Plus, she shows us her puppy. Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama

Canadian pro Cody Beals is known for his open-ness and honesty—and he doesn't hold back here. He talks to us about dealing with pressure after his break-out 2018 season where he won his debut pro Ironman and what specific mistakes he made in Kona last year. He's also very open about his struggles with disordered eating, mental health, and coming out five years ago. Besides being the Ironman Mont Tremblant course record holder, Cody is best known for his public budgets and training logs. He shares exactly how much he makes (and isn't making this year) and how he won IM MT on 17 hours/week — and how he goes to bed at midnight! With all that honesty, we thought it'd be be great to also get the other perspective from an endurance sports agent. Chris Douglas from Presidio Sports Management breaks down what makes a good contract, what bad clauses athletes should watch out for, and what the financial future of the sport looks like.

Up-and-comer Sam Long joins us for a fun episode 20. He explains how he got the nickname "The Big Unit," why he's been going after all the KOMs this year, and what he's learned about consistency. The 24-year-old was on a tear last year, winning back-to-back races and Ironman Chattanooga. This year, he's been dueling it out for KOMs with pro cyclists and runners, and battling with Lionel Sanders on Mt. Lemmon: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/the-epic-kom-battle-taking-place-in-tucson/ Sam talks to us about growing up in Boulder and thinking world champions swimming at your gym were normal, doing his first Ironman before college and going 9:30, and then deciding to go all-in post-college on being a pro triathlete. But he's learned now, though, that you don't have to have epic days every day, consistency is key—that's why he does the same routes and the same workouts every week. But sometimes he still wants to go after the epic days. More info on the Garmin outage here too: https://www.triathlete.com/gear/tech-wearables/garmin-outage-may-be-ransomware-attack/

In episode 6 of Fitter & Faster ultramarathon man Dean Karnazes joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to chat about some of his epic feats of endurance—and some of his longstanding triathlon dreams. His journey into the ultra world began—unwittingly—on his 30th birthday when he drunkenly set off from a bar on a 30-mile run. Since then, he has run 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states, won the Badwater Ultramarathon, run 148 miles on a treadmill in 24 hours, and plenty more. Perhaps the overarching question for many people is: why? Karnazes answers this question—and more—and the conversation turns philosophical fast. No stranger to triathlon, Karnazes also chats about his experience of multisport, how Dave Scott influenced him early on, and the one race he's not yet done but wants to—Kona.

This week on The Triathlete Hour we talk to the legendary Craig Alexander — 5x World Champ, 3x Kona winner. At 47, Crowie doesn't consider himself retired. (In fact, last year he was still winning the occasional 70.3.) But he's doing it just for fun now and for the love of the sport. The Australian champ talks to us about the changes he made in his training as he got older, what he learned over the years, and if all the technological changes in the sport are good or not. His main bit of advice: Sometimes you just have to batten down the hatches and ride out the storm. And first, we give you a very quick sneak peek at our new gear podcast. The first episode: all about carbon wheels!

In episode 18 of The Triathlete Hour, we talk to uber-swimmer and Ironman champ Lauren Brandon. Known as one of the nicest people in the pro field, the many-time swim course record holder tells us she felt terrified of biking during her first triathlon—and how she's improved. She talks about why she made the switch to tri after the swimming Olympic Trials (because she loves it), why she prefers the Ironman distance even though it doesn't benefit swimmers, and how it took her nearly eight years of racing before she got to break a finish line tape. Plus, she gets real about the ups and downs right now during COVID-19 and staying motivated—and what she still has to work on to get faster. And, first, we chat with age-group athlete, Guy Kornblum about the Ironman VR races—he's done eight—and what his tips are for getting the most out of your virtual racing. Here's our guide to the Ironman VR Championship races: https://www.triathlete.com/events/ironman/ironman-vr-challenger-championship/ One note: This episode was recorded before Ironman announced the cancellation of Kona and the 70.3 World Championships. This episode was supported by Shimano SPD.

In episode five of Fitter & Faster, coach Ryan Bolton—an Olympian who was a member of the very first US Olympic tri team at the Sydney Games in 2000—talks about his journey to top-level coaching. As someone who coaches elite triathletes and elite runners from all over the world, Bolton has a unique viewpoint on what makes a good coach—and how to get the best out of every athlete. He talks about the importance of understanding the art of coaching, not just the science, and gives some fun and intelligent insights into working with top pros such as Ben Hoffman, Heather Jackson, and Sam Long. Bolton chats about the run coaching he's done with elite Ethiopian and Kenyan runners, and how this has helped shape the way he coaches running for triathlon. As co-author of the Triathlete Guide to Sprint & Olympic Triathlon Racing, he also talks about the training plans he wrote for this book, which is available now at Velopress.com.

In this week's episode we talk to the Voice of Ironman: Mike Reilly. No, Mike doesn't say his famous phrase ('you are an Ironman') for us—he says that phrase is sacred—but he does reflect back on some of the amazing moments he's seen at the finish lines over the years and that he shared in his book. Plus, how he picks which races to go to, if he ever runs out of things to say, and why he thinks the Ironman midnight cut-off is something unique and special to triathlon. What is it about Ironman, crossing that finish, and hearing those words that can change people's lives? And why hasn't Mike ever done an Ironman himself? First, though, you have a chance to nominate women doing great things in the sport. Sara Gross comes on to tell us about the Outspoken Women in Triathlon awards; nominate a woman in one of nine categories by Aug. 31: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrYxxnfR2DJq6offMgUA0tL5FNTg28uATxy5iXva_2bwnRDQ/viewform

This week, we talk with Olympian, World Champion, and our current cover model, Katie Zaferes. Katie is featured on the front of our July/August magazine issue — which you can get on newsstands now. You can also become an Active Pass member to get a magazine subscription, exclusive content, partner discounts, training plans, two books, and more: https://www.triathlete.com/active-pass/#_active-pass Katie was supposed to be on her way to the Olympics right now, but she talks to us about how she's adjusting and adapting this year, and how she's found some silver linings. She has advice for spending 24 hours/day with your significant other and training partner — and she tells us the story of how she was engaged to someone else when she met her husband (!). Although she was a runner in college and a swimmer growing up, Katie took a leap into triathlon when she was invited to the US Olympic Training Center post-college. She had to overcome her fear of technical pack riding and work to get better every day—and it's paid off. You can read more about how she and the other Olympians and Paralympians are using this extra year: https://www.triathlete.com/events/olympics/dreams-delayed-how-olympic-and-paralympic-hopefuls-are-making-the-most-of-this-extra-year/

Triathlon swim coach Gerry Rodrigues of Tower 26 joins us from his home in Los Angeles, California to talk about swimming through the pandemic, answer your questions, and give away a few copies of his new book Triathlon Swimming. Watch all the Triathlete Live episodes here: triathlete.com/ama

In episode four of Fitter & Faster, Matt Dixon—head coach and founder of Purple Patch Fitness—talks about how he's built one of the largest and most successful triathlon squads in the world. What started as a sketch of his "coaching vision" on the back of an airplane napkin has now led to him guiding athletes to 300+ pro podiums and almost 300 Kona age-group qualifications. In this episode, Matt covers a lot of ground—from the biggest mistakes he sees athletes making to the common traits he finds in all of his highest-achieving racers. He dishes out some real talk on how to overcome pandemic fatigue and speaks candidly about some of his biggest coaching mistakes, as well as his greatest successes. As a coach who has worked with many world-class athletes, he gives some insights into finding race-day magic, particularly how he helped take pro Tim Reed from overanalyzer to world champion. Matt's work with age-groupers is equally interesting, helping scores of athletes fulfill their potential on 10 hours of training (or less) per week.

In this week's episode we talk with Australian 70.3 powerhouse Ellie Salthouse about her long journey to success and how she's learned a happy athlete is a fast athlete. Ellie started out in triathlon as an elite junior, but briefly retired at the age of 20—with hopes of becoming a body builder. That was short-lived, though, and she soon returned to the sport with a new outlook. Although the goal of making the Olympics didn't work out, now she's become a dominant force on the 70.3 circuit and is determined to win the 70.3 world championships—whenever there is a world championships again. Plus, we chat briefly with Triathlete managing editor Emma-Kate Lidbury about returning to swimming right now after a long break, what concerns athletes have about getting back in the water, and how you can get your questions answered from open water guru Gerry Rodrigues. Here's the three-week guide to getting back to swimming that she mentions: https://www.triathlete.com/training/heres-your-3-week-plan-for-returning-to-swimming/ This week’s episode is sponsored by Whoop, a fitness wearable that provides personalized insights to tell you how recovered you are and how hard you should train for optimal performance. Right now, Whoop is offering 15% off by going to www.whoop.com and using the code ‘TRIATHLETE’ at checkout.

In episode 14 of the Triathlete Hour we talk with Sika Henry, who is trying to become the first female African-American pro triathlete. How did she end up with that goal and why hasn't there been someone before her? Last year, Sika also had a horrific crash and doesn't remember anything before waking up in the hospital. How do you get back on your bike after that? Plus, she still balances a full-time job and a full-time training load, even with her big goals—something a lot of us will appreciate. First, though, Triathlete senior editor Chris Foster talks to us about Lubbock 70.3 this weekend—which is scheduled to be the first large triathlon since the COVID-19 pandemic started. What will it look like? And if you don't have races on the horizon, like most of us, then what are your options for putting on a self-supported triathlon? Read more about how to do a self-supported triathlon: https://www.triathlete.com/training/how-to-build-your-own-self-supported-tri/ This week’s episode is sponsored by Whoop, a fitness wearable that provides personalized insights to tell you how recovered you are and how hard you should train for optimal performance. Right now, Whoop is offering 15% off by going to www.whoop.com and using the code ‘TRIATHLETE’ at checkout.

In episode 3 of Triathlete’s new training podcast, Fitter and Faster, Ironman champion Dede Griesbauer joins host Emma-Kate Lidbury to talk about how she stays fit, fast, motivated, and injury-free—despite being just a few months away from her 50th birthday. Dede is a three-time Ironman champion and Ultraman champion who broke the Ultraman world record earlier this year. In this episode, she uncovers how she still gets the most from her body, shining a light on her training, strength work, self care, sleep and recovery. She talks, too, about the moment at which her doctor told her that her body was "eating itself"—a turning point which forced her to reexamine her approach to fueling and nutrition. As someone who used to work full-time (on Wall Street, no less), Dede has plenty of takeaways and tips for age-group athletes who are looking to get the most from their training while balancing life—and the aging process.

In this episode we talk with Danish legend and recently retired Olympian Helle Frederiksen. Helle looks back on her career, how she overcame horrific injuries, and what she has planned now. Hint: She misses some of the training, but not the bury-yourself-go-deep fast stuff. And she talks about how she's helping others achieve their own goals now. First, though, race director Gabriela Gallegos answers all our questions about return to racing, what races will look like, and how RDs are balancing the uncertainty. This week’s episode is sponsored by Whoop, a fitness wearable that provides personalized insights to tell you how recovered you are and how hard you should train for optimal performance. Right now, Whoop is offering 15% off by going to www.whoop.com and using the code ‘TRIATHLETE’ at checkout.

The legendary Andy Potts joins us for episode 12 of the Triathlete Hour. He looks back on his 19 years in the sport, how he found his way to triathlon after *just* missing out on the Olympics in swimming, and when he realized he might be good at this. Plus, an extensive discussion on when it's OK (and when it's not OK) to poop yourself during a race, why he's bummed the harder races often get canceled, and how his wife's cancer diagnosis pushed them down a path of chasing what you love. We also promise, in the episode, to share a few of his daughter's Would You Rather... ...be stuck outside on a gnarly weather day or stuck inside on the most beautiful ever? ...lick the salt off of a very salty pretzel or eat the pretzel that someone licked the salt off of? ...travel to the past to talk to yourself or the future to talk to yourself? ...successfully summit Mount Everest or successfully dive the Mariana Trench? And first, a discussion with the amazing Dr. Shaunna Payne Gold on the barriers to diversity in triathlon and what can be done about removing those barriers. We mentioned the history of exclusionary policies when it comes to swimming and for those who want more information, here's a New York Times article on the topic: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/01/sports/black-people-pools-racism.html This week’s episode is sponsored by Whoop, a fitness wearable that provides personalized insights to tell you how recovered you are and how hard you should train for optimal performance. Right now, Whoop is offering 15% off by going to www.whoop.com and using the code ‘TRIATHLETE’ at checkout.

In episode two of Fitter and Faster cycling coach and bike guru Matt Bottrill gives us an insight into the intelligent approach he takes to making triathletes the very best bikers they can be. Whether it's training, optimizing aerodynamics, bike fit, pedaling or equipment, Bottrill leaves none of it to chance. A talented cyclist himself, he now coaches scores of age groupers and pros, and has helped the likes of Tim O'Donnell, Tim Don, and Matt Hanson find their optimal power and speed. He talks in depth about what to look for in a good bike fit—and just how important this is if you want to fulfill your potential on two wheels, as well as pedaling effectiveness, aero drills, the key pieces of equipment you need to focus on for optimal aerodynamics, and the types of training that have worked for him and his athletes. He brings fresh eyes to triathlon, using training methodologies that have secured him and his athletes victories and podiums aplenty in the cycling world.

In ep. 11 of The Triathlete Hour we're joined Ben Kanute, a 2016 Olympian and second place at the 70.3 World Championships. Obviously we asked Ben: Which is harder -- 70.3 or ITU? And which would you rather win? Ben talks to us, from his hot home base in Arizona, about how he hopes to win medals at both, what he learned when he moved up in distance, and how he balanced racing professionally while going to college at University of Arizona. Plus, his new puppy interrupts. And first we chat with someone completely different: the #1 ranked Zwift rider in the world, Holden Comeau. He explains what that means exactly and then he gets into the weeds with us about virtual racing — and he thinks of Ironman's announcement that they'll be awarding 70.3 Worlds slots via a series of virtual races. This week’s episode is sponsored by Whoop, a fitness wearable that provides personalized insights to tell you how recovered you are and how hard you should train for optimal performance. Right now, Whoop is offering 15% off by going to www.whoop.com and using the code ‘TRIATHLETE’ at checkout.