Endurance Nation Triathlon Podcast

Is your Ironman race performance being held back by the heat? Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation joins us to share his expert insights on making critical decisions to excel in Ironman races, especially under scorching conditions. Learn how to master the distribution of effort during the swim, optimize positioning, and leverage drafting techniques for an edge over your competition. Patrick also delves into the crucial first hour on the bike, emphasizing the importance of managing your heart rate and establishing your hydration and fueling plan immediately post-transition to counteract fluid loss.    Moving beyond physical preparedness, Coach Patrick reveals the secrets to smart race day execution. Discover the importance of building a full season of training and crafting an effective race plan to ensure all your hard work pays off. We also introduce our newsletter, packed with valuable tips every Friday to help you continually improve and succeed. Patrick wraps up with encouraging words and reassures athletes

Susan had always believed that more training hours equated to better race day performance—until she found herself juggling Ironman prep with a demanding job and a bustling family life. It was then that she discovered the game-changing Four Keys approach from Endurance Nation, a strategy that redefined her training and race execution. In this episode, we delve into Susan’s inspirational journey, balancing the rigors of Ironman preparation with the chaos of everyday life, all while demonstrating the incredible strength and determination required to succeed in endurance sports. Join us as we recount the final stretch of Susan’s path leading up to Ironman Wisconsin, where her perseverance was tested by adverse weather and equipment challenges. Despite these hurdles, Susan’s unwavering focus and resilience shone through, culminating in a triumphant finish. We also introduce "The Unfair Advantage," our exclusive newsletter packed with insider tips to keep you ahead of the competition. Tune in for an episode brimmin

What if a tiny oversight could cost you an entire race? Join us as we recount the ups and downs of the Vermont Overland race, a brutal 55-mile course with 7,500 feet of climbing. This episode is packed with personal stories and hard-earned lessons on the importance of meticulous race preparation. From my own frustrating Did Not Finish (DNF) due to preventable equipment failures to the value of carrying spare valves and CO2 cartridges, we lay it all out. You'll get an inside look into the mechanics and mental strategies required for a successful race day, revealing how even minor oversights can lead to major setbacks. We also introduce you to the Race Saver Bag, an innovative tool designed to help runners manage their core temperature effectively and stay competitive. This game-changing product, once exclusive to professional athletes, is now available to everyone and can help you achieve your personal best. With practical tips on mental rehearsal and handling unexpected challenges, this episode aims to equip

What if the key to your best triathlon run isn't about speed, but about avoiding a slowdown? Join us as we unveil crucial strategies for effective run execution that prioritize smart decision-making over sheer hard work or luck. We'll delve into how your ingrained running identity, often linked to specific race distances and times, can be a hidden pitfall on race day. Discover how shifting your focus from running fast to managing your pace conservatively at the start can help control your heart rate and heat accumulation, allowing you to maintain your performance throughout the race. Equip yourself with knowledge and proactive practice to realize your full potential.   Aid stations might seem like minor pitstops, but improper management can cost you valuable time. We discuss the critical importance of planning what you need to achieve at each aid station, whether it's fueling, hydrating, or cooling. By having a clear strategy and executing efficiently, you can significantly enhance your race performance. More

Unlock the secrets to a stellar triathlon bike performance as you join Coach Patrick at Enduro Station! Learn the critical elements that can make or break your race day, such as mastering your nutrition strategy within the first hour, pacing yourself to save energy for the run, and effectively managing your effort to conquer the course. Coach Patrick shares a personal tale from his first Ironman in 2001, revealing the rookie mistake of not practicing non-stop rides and the challenging consequences that followed. This episode provides actionable insights to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a strong finish.   We also introduce you to a structured race execution framework called the four keys of race execution, designed to boost your race preparedness. Engage with us by leaving your questions, comments, and feedback; Coach Patrick is eager to help you fine-tune your strategy. Don't miss the opportunity to subscribe to our free race execution course via email, packed with invaluable tips and guidance. Be

Ever wondered why some triathletes glide effortlessly through open water while others struggle? Join Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation as he unlocks the secrets to mastering your open water swim performance. From essential tips like extending underwater and fingertip drag drills to blowing bubbles for optimal breathing, Patrick offers practical advice designed to help both novices and seasoned athletes alike. Get ahead with strategies to stay on course, such as environmental assessment and landmark identification, ensuring that you don't waste precious energy zigzagging in the water.   Stay tuned as Patrick provides insider techniques to refine your sighting and maintain proper form even amidst the chaos of race day. Learn how to integrate sighting with your breathing, using your arm as a marker to keep your hips from dropping and your speed from stalling. Discover how slight adjustments in hand placement can keep you moving straight and true. Finally, Patrick emphasizes the importance of relaxation, recent

Join me, Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation, as I share critical insights to help you avoid common mistakes and boost your performance on race day. In this episode, we explore three key errors triathletes often make, starting with the crucial practice swim. Learn how familiarizing yourself with race day conditions can manage your nerves and equip you with the confidence needed to excel in the water. Discover why ignoring this simple yet powerful step can lead to unnecessary surprises that could throw off your entire race strategy. Listen in as I uncover the second common mistake—improper hill riding techniques. Many athletes mistakenly attack hills aggressively, leading to energy depletion and inefficient performance. Instead, maintaining a steady effort and consistent pedal pressure is essential for conserving energy and performing optimally. Additionally, I highlight the importance of using a free course from Endurance Nation to guide your race day preparation. This resource provides practical tips and rul

Join us for an enlightening discussion on optimizing your endurance training and race preparation in this latest episode. We kick things off by exploring the critical importance of race selection and early planning. Using an example from Liz in Rhode Island, we illustrate how selecting a race well in advance can strategically benefit your training schedule, travel plans, and equipment needs. This proactive approach allows athletes to make thoughtful decisions that enhance their chances of success and reduce stress. Listen in as we cover effective strategies for managing heat and pacing during triathlons. We delve into maintaining a wet kit while cycling to help dissipate heat and emphasize the importance of strategic pacing to avoid overheating. We also discuss how adjusting effort levels based on the time of day and incorporating walking breaks through aid stations can help manage heart rate and sustain performance. These actionable strategies are designed to help you optimize your performance and ensure you

Unlock the secrets to effective triathlon training and immerse yourself in a world of vibrant athleticism with our special guest, Mark, an age-group triathlete who juggles his regimen between the sun-soaked streets of Miami and the bustling avenues of Washington, DC. Hear Mark’s firsthand account of the unique hurdles and perks of Miami’s flat landscapes, paired with the perks of its warm winters and thriving swimming and cycling communities. Plus, get a peek into Mark’s amusing strategies for balancing remote work and training, including his innovative use of a magnetic screen door for dog training during DC’s sweltering heatwave. Experience the adrenaline rush of the Clash Miami triathlon through Mark’s eyes as we uncover the race's intriguing history and ever-evolving course. Discover what it takes to conquer the Miami distance—a unique challenge that sits between an Olympic distance and a half Ironman. Mark shares indispensable advice on hydration and nutrition to combat the intense Miami heat, especially

Unlock the secrets to race day success with Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation! Transform your race execution strategy and achieve your personal best without increasing your training volume. Learn from Coach Patrick's journey through eight Ironman races before qualifying for Kona and discover the pivotal lessons that made the difference. This episode is your roadmap to smarter, more strategic racing, focusing on the crucial elements of nutrition, pacing, and meticulous planning. Get an insider look at our comprehensive race execution course designed to help athletes craft a detailed race plan. Coach Patrick explains how writing and rehearsing your race plan can embed it into your memory, ensuring you make intelligent, on-the-fly decisions when it counts the most. Say goodbye to the cycle of endless training and hello to a well-executed race strategy that can propel you to new heights. Tune in to elevate your racing strategy and hit those ambitious goals!

Get ready to transform your endurance journey as Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation reveals the secrets behind our unique European training camps. Learn why shifting from a performance-driven mindset to one of exploration and enjoyment can vastly enhance your athletic experience. From breathtaking rides to cultural immersion, discover how our camps offer a refreshing alternative to the typical, high-pressure race preparation.  In this episode, I unpack the key lessons learned from hosting four incredible camps this year and explain why they could be the best investment for your fitness in 2024. Hear firsthand accounts of the camaraderie, the serene landscapes of Spain, Italy, and France, and the exhilarating feeling of achieving a state of Zen on your bike. If you’re ready to trade rigid schedules and stress for adventure and fun, this episode is your gateway to an unforgettable training experience.

Balancing family life and rigorous training is no easy feat, but racing close to home offers unique flexibility and greater involvement with loved ones. Reflecting on the Chattanooga 70.3, we share how family commitments, like my daughter's dance recital, influenced our choices and how a home training setup kept us on track. The journey wasn't just about physical preparation but also navigating the planning and personal growth that came with it. Facing a significant setback with a bike accident in 2022, I had to rethink my training strategy for Ironman Chattanooga. We turned the focus to volume targets and resumed swimming after a lengthy hiatus. Our conversation highlights the combo of midweek intervals, sweet spot sessions, and efficient indoor rides to prepare for race day, demonstrating resilience and strategic adaptation in the face of adversity. Ironman Chattanooga presented its unique set of challenges, from steep climbs to managing resources under hot conditions. We discuss the competitive nature of t

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your athletic potential with our latest episode. Discover how to effectively extend your rest periods beyond what you might think is necessary, ensure you're getting at least eight hours of high-quality sleep, and eliminate those sneaky, unnecessary sugars and calories from your diet. We’ll share expert strategies for reducing overall life stress by tweaking your workout load structures—keeping the frequency but dialing back the duration and intensity. Learn how these adjustments can make a significant difference in alleviating training stress and promoting optimal recovery without sacrificing your activity levels. Next, we tackle the art of balancing your training schedule to boost race day performance and recovery. Find out why prioritizing weekday workouts and incorporating strategic rest blocks or full rest days, especially on Sundays, can be game-changers. Learn how to align your workouts with the specific demands of your upcoming races, whether they call for short, inten

In this episode of the Endurance Nation podcast, Coach Patrick emphasizes the critical importance of rest and recovery for endurance athletes. Proper recovery not only prevents burnout but also enhances overall performance and longevity in the sport. Key Strategies for Rest and Recovery: Rest Hard: If you think you need two days off, take four. Commit to doubling the rest period you believe you need to ensure full recovery. Focus on getting eight-plus hours of sleep each night and eliminate stimulants like caffeine and sugar late in the day to help your body unwind. Clean Eating: Cut out unnecessary calories and sugars to allow your body to reset and recover. Eating clean helps mitigate the fatigue accumulated from training. Holistic Recovery: Address all aspects of your life, including work and personal stressors, to create a comprehensive recovery environment. Use this time to offload non-essential tasks and focus on rest. Adjust Training Load: Identify and reduce the most taxing workouts. Maintain

In this episode of the Endurance Nation podcast, Coach Patrick outlines key warning signs that indicate you might be heading into a mid-season slump. Understanding these signs early can help you make necessary adjustments to avoid fatigue and maintain peak performance. Key Warning Signs: Difficulty Sleeping: Not just trouble falling asleep, but restlessness and overheating at night, indicating your body is overworked and struggling to recover. Plateaued Progress: If your training efforts aren't translating into performance improvements or you're experiencing unexpected performance dips, it’s a sign you may be overtraining. Emotional Instability: Increased irritability and frustration can be indicators of physical and mental fatigue, often noticeable to friends and family before you realize it. Elevated RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion): Workouts feel harder than usual, even at lower intensities, suggesting that accumulated fatigue is affecting your performance. Erratic Morning Heart Rate: Significant

In this episode of the Endurance Nation podcast, Coach Patrick dives into the all-too-common issue of the mid-season slump and shares expert strategies to help you avoid it. The mid-season slump can derail even the most dedicated athletes, leading to fatigue, stalled progress, and waning motivation. But with the right approach, you can stay on track and achieve your goals. Key Points Covered: Recognizing the Signs: Learn to identify early warning signs such as difficulty sleeping, plateaued progress, and emotional instability. Catching these signs early allows for timely adjustments to your training plan. Adjusting Your Load: Coach Patrick explains how to reduce workout intensity and eliminate the most taxing sessions while maintaining frequency. This helps keep your body active without overwhelming it. Prioritizing Recovery: Emphasizing the importance of sleep, nutrition, and stress management, the episode offers practical recovery techniques like stretching, foam rolling, and active recovery sess

Ever feel like your heart's racing before you've even dipped a toe into open water? That's the anxiety Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation is here to tackle. With a wealth of experience and a calming influence, he's your guide through the choppy waters of open water swimming anxiety, providing practical advice that's crucial whether you're gearing up for your first swim sans pool lanes or you're a seasoned swimmer looking to refine your open water technique. During our session with Coach Patrick, he doesn't just throw you in at the deep end; he equips you with a life jacket's worth of strategies to keep you buoyant. From emphasizing the significance of safety—cue the wetsuits and buoyancy aids—to the importance of a collective swim route and the power of camaraderie in the vastness of open water, he's got your back. Listen in as we navigate the loss of poolside sensory cues and learn to embrace the unpredictability that makes open water swimming both an exhilarating challenge and a metaphor for life's adventu

Have you ever felt your heart rate spike—not from the workout but from the whirl of traffic as you pedal along? I'm Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation, and I get it. That surge of anxiety when a truck zooms by a little too close is real, and it's precisely what we're tackling in our latest episode. Here, I lay out the tools to help you manage those fears, from choosing off-peak hours for your rides to potentially embracing an indoor trainer as your new best friend. Trust me, it's not about never feeling afraid; it's about leveraging that fear to remain alert and alive on the road. This week, we're not just talking about survival; we're talking about thriving amidst the hustle of traffic. I'll walk you through the essentials of being seen with the right gear and the power of an undistracted mind. With practical tips and a frank discussion about the balance between effective training and safety, this episode is your guide to becoming an unstoppable force on two wheels—no matter the traffic conditions. Remember

Unlock the secrets to seamless transitions between your triathlon training workouts with Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation. Say goodbye to the frustration of lost minutes when shifting from swim to bike, or bike to run, as we guide you through the art of efficient workout changes. Whether you're squeezing sessions into a hectic weekday or a jam-packed weekend, this episode is your blueprint for maximizing training time without compromising quality. Join us as we explore the bigger picture of triathlon training, emphasizing individual discipline proficiency over mere transition speed, especially for those new to the sport. Coach Patrick shares practical advice on strategically pairing workouts to replicate race conditions, budgeting time for the unexpected, and the wisdom of the 'two workouts, one shower' principle. All of this and more in our conversation, geared toward helping you shave off those precious seconds and gear up for your personal best

Ever felt like a fish out of water in a wetsuit that's too tight, or flapped around in one that's too loose? Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation is here to guide you through the choppy waters of selecting a wetsuit that fits just right and matches the demands of your race day. He dives deep into the dual purpose of wetsuits – not only keeping your core body temperature optimal but also enhancing your buoyancy and form. It's a treasure trove of insights for triathletes eager to optimize comfort and performance. Imagine zipping up a wetsuit that feels like it was tailored for you, where chafing and restrictions are a thing of the past. During this episode, Coach Patrick unravels the complexities of wetsuit selection, sharing the importance of snug fit around the quads, strategic hip sizing, and the testing of different brands and models. This isn't just talk; it's practical advice you can use at your next race or training session. So, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned Ironman, prepare to up your game in the