The TriDot Triathlon Podcast

The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is a bucket list race for triathletes around the world. It has a famous start, a unique course, and a picturesque destination location. From start to finish it is truly a one-of-a-kind race. In August 2021, the race celebrated its 40th anniversary of athletes swimming, biking, and running their way through San Francisco to Escape from Alcatraz Island. Today's episode guest, industry veteran Eric Gilsenan, has made more Escapes than anyone else with 32 successful Escapes from Alcatraz. Listen in as Eric shares stories, describes his experiences, and prepares you to perform your best if you decide to race this iconic event. Huge thanks to deltaG for partnering with us on this episode. To learn more about the performance boosting benefits of deltaG Ketones head to deltaGketones.com​ and use code TRIDOT20 for 20% off your order. On their site you can: 1. Learn more about fueling with deltaG ketone products 2. Make a standalone purchase, or subscribe for ongoing deltaG ketone deliveries 3. Book a FREE 15 minute video consultation with Brian, an expert on exogenous ketones, and deltaG in particular, to discuss your individual goals and best choice of deltaG drink to exceed those goals.

You know how important it is to stay hydrated in training and racing. So on today's episode, Sports Scientist Andy Blow from Precision Hydration returns to the show to help you craft a race day hydration plan. Precision Hydration has studied the hard-earned sweat of thousands of athletes all so YOU can properly hydrate your way through that next event. Learn how to strategize for your sweat rate, sodium levels, race distance, race weather, and more! In this episode… - Warmup: What Olympic sport do you wish you could be world class at? (2:28) - Main Set: Crafting a Race Day Hydration Plan (8:46) - Revisiting Episode .87 on the Science of Sweat (10:05) - The importance of a customized race day hydration plan (11:00) - Determining how much fluid you need (13:15) - Determining how much electrolyte you need (19:36) - The importance of trial-and-error during training sessions (24:10) - Different methods of accessing and consuming electrolytes (29:31) - Strategies for combating palate fatigue (36:21) - Considerations on when and how often to drink (39:35) - Short versus long-course hydration strategies (45:52) - The FREE Precision Hydration 20-minute consult (50:22) - Coach John Mayfield's experience with Precision Hydration (54:58) - Cooldown: Get in your training while supporting a great cause! (59:44) Huge thanks to Precision Hydration for partnering with us on this episode. To learn more about Precision Hydration head to precisionhydration.com and use code TRIDOT10 for 10% off your electrolytes and fuel. On their site you can: 1. Take the free online Sweat Test to receive a personalized hydration plan 2. Complete the Quick Carb Calculator to understand how much carb you need to consume during your next race 3. Book a free 20-minute video consultation with a member of the Precision Hydration team to discuss your fueling strategy

We're celebrating episode 100 with our coaches answering your questions! TriDot coaches John Mayfield, Elizabeth James, Jeff Raines, and Matt Bach are in the hot seat on this round-robin, rapid-fire episode! Learn how to conquer a hilly course and better train your aero position. Pick up tips for exercising in cold, snowy, or icy weather, and hear what to expect during a bike fitting. Listen in as the coaches talk about goal setting, and hear commentary on Andrew's coffee-drinking habits. Huge thanks to Precision Hydration for partnering with us on this episode. To learn more about Precision Hydration head to precisionhydration.com and use code TRIDOT10 for 10% off your electrolytes and fuel. On their site you can: 1. Take the free online Sweat Test to receive a personalized hydration plan 2. Complete the Quick Carb Calculator to understand how much carb you need to consume during your next race 3. Book a free 20-minute video consultation with a member of the Precision Hydration team to discuss your fueling strategy

Make the most of your running miles! On today's episode, coaches Matt Bach and Elizabeth James provide 21 running tips for improving your times, and your experience, as a runner. Matt and Elizabeth cover running mechanics, equipment, fueling, race day tips and more! This episode is packed with practical information like when to buy a new pair of shoes, what to wear (and what to avoid), and how to pace properly. Start using these tips on your very next session and you might even find yourself loving the run! Huge thanks to Precision Hydration for partnering with us on this episode. To learn more about Precision Hydration head to precisionhydration.com and use code TRIDOT10 for 10% off your electrolytes and fuel. On their site you can: 1. Take the free online Sweat Test to receive a personalized hydration plan 2. Complete the Quick Carb Calculator to understand how much carb you need to consume during your next race 3. Book a free 20-minute video consultation with a member of the Precision Hydration team to discuss your fueling strategy

What is pain? What is happening in our body that causes us to feel it? Can you tangibly improve your pain tolerance? Should you? On this episode, Dr. B.J. Leeper, physical therapist and TriDot coach, answers these questions, and more! Listen in as host Andrew Harley, coach Matt Bach, and Dr. Leeper discuss the painful parts of training for, and competing in, triathlon events. Know when (and how) to push past the discomfort, and when to pull back before injury strikes. Huge thanks to Precision Hydration for partnering with us on this episode. To learn more about Precision Hydration head to precisionhydration.com and use code TRIDOT10 for 10% off your electrolytes and fuel. On their site you can: 1. Take the free online Sweat Test to receive a personalized hydration plan 2. Complete the Quick Carb Calculator to understand how much carb you need to consume during your next race 3. Book a free 20-minute video consultation with a member of the Precision Hydration team to discuss your fueling strategy

A better bike split awaits! On today's episode, coaches John Mayfield and Matt Bach provide 20 cycling tips to help you make the most of your training sessions and prepare for race day. John and Matt cover training metrics, pedal stroke, bike handling, positioning and more! This episode is packed with helpful information including everyday tips about ride safety and bike maintenance. Huge thanks to Precision Hydration for partnering with us on this episode. To learn more about Precision Hydration head to precisionhydration.com and use code TRIDOT10 for 10% off your electrolytes and fuel. On their site you can: 1. Take the free online Sweat Test to receive a personalized hydration plan 2. Complete the Quick Carb Calculator to understand how much carb you need to consume during your next race 3. Book a free 20-minute video consultation with a member of the Precision Hydration team to discuss your fueling strategy

With icy fjord swims, crew supported courses, and elevated mountain top finishes, Xtreme Triathlons are an adventurous take on the familiar swim, bike, and run race pattern. On today's episode, join two TriDot athletes who have embraced, and conquered, numerous Xtreme Triathlons. The athletes share their most memorable experiences and lessons from racing through challenging elements. Learn how to prepare for harsh environments, the importance of your race crew, and how to mentally persevere through rough patches on race day.

Supercharge your swim sessions! On today's episode, coaches John Mayfield and Jeff Raines provide 18 swim tips to help you make the most of your training sessions and prepare for race day. John and Jeff cover pacing, stroke rate, pool sets, goggles and more! This episode is packed with helpful information including everyday tips about swim tools and protecting your hair and skin from the chlorine, and race-specific tips about wetsuits and open water venues.

Triathletes love obsessing over the weather forecast leading into race day. And for good reason! Weather conditions play a huge role in performance. While you can't control what Mother Nature serves you on race day, you can control how you manage the conditions, both physically and mentally. On this episode, coaches John Mayfield and Elizabeth James give you tips for handling heat, humidity, wind, thunderstorms, and chilly temperatures. They even discuss how you might turn awful weather into a competitive advantage on race day.

Do the right training right to reach your performance potential and get the most out of your limited time and energy. This doesn't happen by just "working hard" and putting in "more time." There are specific things you can do to ensure your training is the best quality possible and that you complete it in the most effective way. We'll discuss tips and tricks for getting the most value out of individual sessions, prioritizing sessions when life happens and you need to adapt your plans, recognizing training objectives for different types of sessions, avoiding the pitfalls that hinder your ability to make consistent progress, and much more.

Whether it’s a local sprint race, or a full IRONMAN, putting on a multi-sport event takes leadership, teamwork, and lots and lots of water, bananas, and energy gels! Logistical tasks like designing a good course, getting plans approved by the city, and recruiting volunteers don’t happen by accident. All the moving parts come together under the watchful eye of the Race Director. On today's episode, IRONMAN race director Greg Pennington joins host Andrew Harley and coach John Mayfield for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a magical race experience.

You have diligently prepared to reach the finish line, but what comes after that? How should you navigate post-race eating? What are the primary methodologies for giving your muscles some recovery help? How long should you wait before you resume training? How can you overcome post-race blues? In this episode, TriDot’s John Mayfield and Matt Bach cover all that and more! Come learn all the post race do's and don’ts so you’re ready for what lies beyond your next finish line.

Even once you know what to eat, consuming the right calories at the right time isn't always feasible day-to-day. On today's episode, expert nutritionist Dr. Krista Austin goes "beyond the book" and offers insight for those tricky situations when quality nutrition isn't available. How do you navigate your best friend's birthday party, your company happy hour, or the next roadtrip? What can you do when staying with family or traveling internationally? Dr. Austin covers these scenarios and more! Listen in for practical advice for staying performance focused, with a little grace, no matter what calories are currently available!

Arrive race ready no matter how far from home your race adventures take you! On this episode, coaches John Mayfield and Elizabeth James discuss mitigating the effects of travel on your race performance. The coaches outline pros and cons of driving v. flying to your event, share tips for booking your accommodations, and give recommendations for packing your gear. Don't let travel take away from the performance you've earned in training!

Should you incorporate run drills into your training? If so, which drills and how often? In this episode, coaches Elizabeth James and Jeff Raines drill down on run drills. Learn how run drills help prepare the body for exercise, refine technique, and prevent injuries. Then get tips for executing specific plyometric drills, including recommendations for frequency and duration. Listen in to start drilling your way to increased run performance!

Don't let dehydration hinder your race-day performance! On this episode, host Andrew Harley and coach Elizabeth James talk with Andy Blow, a Sports Scientist and expert in sweat, dehydration and cramping. As the founder of Precision Hydration, Andy works with athletes to determine their sweat rate and sodium concentration in their sweat. Listen in as Andy describes the sweat testing process, signs and dangers of both dehydration and over-hydration, and adjusting your hydration strategy for various environmental conditions.

How do you balance hours of triathlon training with family time and work responsibilities? On this episode, coaches John Mayfield and Jeff Raines, both fathers of three children, share their experiences with racing triathlons while remaining devoted family men and dedicated employees. John and Jeff tell listeners the joy of sharing the sport with their family while also providing tips for training in a way that doesn't compromise important times with loved ones.

Often referred to as the fourth discipline, it's no secret that nutrition is an important part of triathlon. On today's episode, expert sports nutritionist, Dr. Krista Austin explains the connection between your performance goals, body composition, and food consumption. Dr. Austin also weighs in on finding your race weight, metabolic factors based on race length, and periodization of macros for daily training. Learn how to achieve your optimal performance through a focused approach to your nutrition.

While there is no substitution for consistent training leading up to a race, there are still many tricks of the trade you can use on race day to get to the finish line faster. On today's episode, coaches John Mayfield, Elizabeth James, and Jeff Raines unload their arsenal of 31 race-day, time-saving tips. Whether it's your first race or your 101st, you’ll learn a few more ways to help you reach the finish line faster.

Smile, you’re on race-day camera! In this episode, host Andrew Harley and coach John Mayfield are joined by sports photographer, Scott Flathouse. Scott shares his journey from an active competitor to getting behind the lens on course. Listen in as Scott, who has shot hundreds of race events from destination IRONMAN’s to neighborhood 5k’s, describes race day from the perspective of a photographer. Hear his tips for taking your best action shots on a day when there are no re-takes!

What is a performance plateau? How can your prevent yourself from getting stuck in one? Join coaches John Mayfield and Elizabeth James as they discuss how to determine if you are plateauing, and if you are, what to do about it. Examine possible causes for a plateau in swimming, biking, or running performance and listen in as the coaches provide self-reflection prompts to help you identify areas to address in your training progress.

Triathletes train year after year dreaming of one day racing in Kona. On today’s episode, Andrew Harley is joined by Greg McAuley and Joanna Nami, two athletes who will be racing in Kona this fall. Both athletes qualified to race at the Ironman World Championship through the Legacy Program. Learn more about the legacy program and preparing to race in Hawaii. Gain insights from both Greg and Joanna as they share advice for racing your next event and going for your dreams!

Do you need to leverage power in your run training? What are the benefits of using run power compared to pace and heart rate? On today's episode, the Director of High Performance at Stryd, Evan Schwartz, joins host Andrew Harley and coach John Mayfield to discuss running with power. Evan describes how Stryd measures metrics such as pace, elevation, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, cadence, and leg stiffness. Learn how you can analyze your run form from tracking these metrics and how to leverage running with power on race day.

Your best triathlon performance is preceded by an effective taper. Join coaches John Mayfield and Elizabeth James as they discuss the purpose of the taper and how to productively finish preparing for your race. The coaches overview your final workouts, considerations for sleep and nutrition, and how to handle travel during this time.

In this episode we count down the "Top 12 Reasons to be a Triathlete." Host Andrew Harley is joined by John Mayfield, Elizabeth James, and Jeff Raines for a celebratory look into what makes our sport so special. Will your reason be mentioned? Listen in and then join us on social media to tell why you love being a triathlete.

Do you really need to strength train to succeed as a triathlete? Dr. B.J. Leeper's answer may surprise you! On this episode, host Andrew Harley, coach Elizabeth James, and physical therapist B.J. Leeper discuss the role of strength training in triathlon preparations. Can lifting make you faster? Will doing specific exercises prevent injury? Listen in to learn if strength training can help you become a better triathlete.

Race rehearsals are a great opportunity for you to practice everything heading into race day. Join coaches John Mayfield and Elizabeth James as they give tips for testing your gear, nutrition, hydration, and pacing during these preparatory sessions. John and Elizabeth also overview RaceX’s race-execution tools that you can use both in your rehearsals and during your race. Be ready for the starting line by making the most of your next race rehearsal!

TriDot coaches John Mayfield, Elizabeth James, and Jeff Raines are in the hot seat on this round-robin, rapid-fire episode! The coaches answer your questions about a variety of topics. Learn how to maintain your bike and determine if a product or supplement is in compliance with anti-doping regulations. We'll also discuss tips for running on a treadmill, preventing your goggles from fogging, and reveal our TriDot Scores.

Our sport is filled with life-changing moments, inspirational stories, and forever friendships. In this episode, you'll be motivated and inspired by all three. Triathlete Adam Cook shares his multisport journey that has impacted his life forever and set him on a wild challenge that took him all of 2020 to complete. Gain motivation as he shares about his major lifestyle changes and the heart-warming bond of friendship he developed with his coach, Doug Silk. Cook shares, "I didn't know that when I signed up for a triathlon coach, I was also gaining a best friend."

What is intermittent fasting and why are some athletes adopting this approach? In this episode, expert nutritionist Dr. Krista Austin outlines different types of fasting and overviews how restricting food can impact your body composition, mood, sleep patterns, HbA1c, insulin regulation, and cholesterol levels. Learn about fat oxidation, muscle protein synthesis, and nutrient timing in relationship to fasting. Listen in to determine if intermittent fasting could be beneficial for you.

Crossing the IRONMAN finish line requires dutiful physical preparation. But even the most physically-prepared athletes may succumb to the day's elements without a proper race-day nutrition plan. Learn from two of TriDot's elite athletes and coaches, Jeff Raines and Elizabeth James, as they discuss developing and implementing a race-day nutrition strategy.

Why is movement the foundation of the Performance Pyramid, and how can understanding it benefit your triathlon training? Listen in as physical therapist and TriDot coach, Dr. B.J. Leeper, answers this and more! Learn how to identify areas of your body that could most benefit from improved mobility and stability. Dr. Leeper discusses how functional movements can be used to increase range of motion for better performance and injury prevention. He also provides examples of mobility and stability training exercises to improve your swim, bike, and run.

Significant improvement in your race performance requires training that is counter-intuitive for most triathletes. They are trapped in the Power-Stamina Paradox and will never realize their performance potential until they escape the mindset and training habits that undermine their progress. In this episode, we explain the paradox and how you can escape it's crippling effect on your training and race-day performance.

What is carbohydrate periodization and how can you benefit from this nutritional approach? On this episode, nutritional expert Dr. Krista Austin overviews the role that carbohydrates play in both your daily and training nutrition. Get examples of how to periodize your carbohydrate intake to optimize performance and health and learn if 'carb-loading' is a must or a myth for endurance athletes.

Are you ready to get back to racing? On this episode, host Andrew Harley interviews athletes that had the opportunity to race in 2020. Join the conversation as the athletes discuss being in limbo throughout the season with multiple event cancellations. Learn what precautions events are taking in regard to COVID and get tips and advice for handling new policies and procedures for when you're ready to return to the race course.

Why should you warmup before your next race? Join TriDot coaches Elizabeth James and Jeff Raines as they answer common questions about the pre-race warmup. Learn the appropriate warmup durations for each race distance (it's different for a sprint and Ironman!) and when to begin your warmup routine prior to the start. Understand how incorporating muscle activation exercises primes your body for its best performance. Discover best practices for the warmup and cooldown to implement at your next event.

Join TriDot coaches John Mayfield, Elizabeth James, and Jeff Raines as they reflect on some of their favorite TriDot Podcast episodes from the past year. Revisit the year's top coaching advice, insights into TriDot's technology, and special moments with guests on the show. Whether you're a first-time listener or long-time subscriber, find out which episodes will help you kickstart your 2021 season.

Race execution should not be an experiment! On this episode, TriDot founder and CEO, Jeff Booher, and TriDot coach Elizabeth James, introduce RaceX (www.MyRaceX.com)—an application specifically designed to help athletes race faster. RaceX delivers the fastest possible race times given your fitness and race conditions by providing an optimized race execution plan. Learn how you can get predicted splits for any course, export a bike power plan for race day, and practice segments of your upcoming race course in training. Reach the finish line faster! You train too hard to let poor pacing rob you of your performance potential.

What is fat oxidation and why have some triathletes adopted a ketogenic nutritional approach? On this episode, nutritional expert Dr. Krista Austin overviews high fat, low carb diets. Are there performance benefits from minimizing your dependency on carbohydrates? Can increasing your fat intake help you avoid the bonk on race day? Listen in as Dr. Austin outlines how you can evaluate if an HFLC approach is right for you.

Triathletes are quick to adopt the latest and greatest in training gadgets, including recovery tools. But which tools are worth the hype and your hard-earned dollar? Join the podcast team as physical therapist Dr. B.J. Leeper discusses a number of popular recovery tools. Learn about recovery boots, compression sleeves, massage guns, muscle scrapers and stimulation devices, foam rollers, and more!

Upgrading your triathlon equipment can increase training effectiveness, enhance comfort, and improve speed where it counts. On this episode, TriDot coaches John Mayfield and Elizabeth James outline triathlon gear upgrades for the swim, bike, and run. Learn what 'key items' you might be missing and get recommendations for which premium products make the biggest impact on performance.

What distance should you target for your next race? Whether you are ready to sign up for your first triathlon or you're a seasoned athlete looking for your next finish line, TriDot coaches John Mayfield and Elizabeth James discuss considerations for your next race registration. Get answers to common questions like: "What is the best distance for your first triathlon?" "How many times should you race a distance before going longer?" and "How do you know if you are ready for a full Ironman?"

Tim O'Donnell is one of the world’s most successful and experienced long-course triathletes. On this episode, Andrew Harley and Elizabeth James interview Tim about the progression of his career from new professional to the fastest American finish at the Ironman World Championship race. Tim shares stories about racing ITU events, transitioning to long-course racing, meeting his wife Mirinda Carfrae, maintaining an attitude of gratitude throughout his career, and balancing training with his growing family. This episode is brought to you by our good friends at UCAN. Head to ucan.co and use coupon code TRIDOT to save 15% on anything anytime.

What does it mean to be vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian or pescatarian? On this episode, resident nutritional expert Dr. Krista Austin overviews plant-based nutrition. Does a plant-based diet result in greater health benefits such as lower cholesterol, better heart health, or faster weight loss? What are some key sources of protein you should look for if avoiding animal products? Listen in as Dr. Austin answers these questions and outlines important considerations for athletes.

Why are some athletes more predisposed to injury than others? Is injury from triathlon training inevitable? On this episode, Dr. BJ Leeper, physical therapist and TriDot coach, shares his expertise and experience to answer these questions and more. Know when to train through discomfort and when to seek advice from a medical professional. Learn how to assess your likelihood of injury and take preventative action against the most common triathlon injuries.

Normalized Training Stress™ (NTS™) is a method of quantifying the physiological stress from a training session and is an essential element of optimized training. Join TriDot founder and CEO, Jeff Booher, and TriDot's VP of Athlete Services, John Mayfield, as they discuss how NTS considers a session’s discipline type, environment, intensity distribution, intensity levels, intensity durations, and your Training Stress Profile™ to quantify your training stress. Learn how this single metric, NTS, can help you achieve your best results and stay injury free.

What are the pros & cons of continuing to swim and bike while training for your standalone running event? TriDot coaches, and Boston qualifiers, Jeff Raines and Elizabeth James answer this and more! Gain key insights into your run event preparation as the coaches debunk some marathon myths, highlight key training sessions, and discuss how long your long run should be. Be prepared for your event with recommendations for pre-race planning, what to wear, and how to best pace your race.

The rich history of the Ironman World Championship is steeped in heroes, legends, and lore. In this episode, the podcast team is joined by TriDot coach and nine-time IMWC finisher Kurt Madden as he discusses the history of the World Championship event. Kurt shares stories of racing in the early days on Oahu and some of his top-ten finishes at Kona. Gain an insider perspective into the Iron War rivalry between Dave Scott and Mark Allen and some of the most memorable finishes from the legendary men and women in the sport.

The Ironman finish line is an unforgettable experience. After months of dedicated training, you'll have the opportunity to celebrate your commitment and soak in the moments on the red carpet. But as race day nears, you may be feeling nervous and have questions about the experience. TriDot coaches and Ironman finishers John Mayfield, Elizabeth James, and Jeff Raines all weigh-in as podcast host Andrew Harley asks questions about his first Ironman event. Gain insights into pre-race preparations, seeding yourself for the swim start, gear bags, sherpa duties, and more!

Women's Cycling Day is an annual event and ongoing initiative that brings women together to experience, share, and express their love of cycling. On this episode, podcast host Andrew Harley asks TriDot coach Elizabeth James and returning guest Rachael Maney about the history of cycling, role models within the sport, and the movement to get women more deeply involved in the cycling community.