Endurance Nation Triathlon Podcast

Ever wondered what it takes to conquer some of the most grueling gravel cycling events? Join us as we uncover the secrets of going epic with Coach Patrick, who shares his firsthand experiences from the Unbound 200 and his preparations for the D2R2 event in Western Massachusetts. The D2R2 is not just any ride—it's a celebration of grit, community, and the breathtaking landscapes of New England. Patrick is especially pumped about the new 200K mystery ride, promising some serious adventure through Jeep trails and hike-a-bike sections. With stories of challenging climbs and scenic pit stops, Patrick paints a vivid picture of what makes these events truly special and why they matter beyond just racing. But preparation is key to tackling such epic adventures, and that's where innovation meets cycling. Learn how I harness the power of a customized GPT bot to streamline every detail of my training and logistics, from equipment checks to nutrition planning. This tool is a game-changer, eliminating last-minute chaos an

Picture this: rugged summer days, a sun-kissed outdoor office, and a trusty cup of afternoon coffee by your side. That's where you'll find me, Coach Patrick, as we embark on a journey through the thrilling and sometimes tumultuous world of summer endurance sports. While Ironman Lake Placid unfolds with fervor, I'm here to share the pulse of the race from afar, offering my insights and guidance to friends and athletes navigating the final stretch of the season. With August on the horizon, we're gearing up for everything from half Ironmans to iconic gravel races like Leadville and Steamboat, keeping the spirit of camaraderie and strategy-sharing alive. As summer becomes the "Bermuda Triangle" of racing—where heat, rest, and life's commitments converge—it's crucial to adapt and thrive. Allow me to guide you through this dynamic period, offering strategies to balance your training and optimize your race plans. Whether you're a seasoned racer or new to the scene, I'll share unconventional approaches to building fi

Unlock the secrets to conquering challenging race conditions with our expert guide to mastering half Ironman events in hot weather. Join Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation as he reveals tried-and-true strategies for thriving when the heat is on. You'll gain insights into effective heat acclimation techniques, from arriving early at the race location to implementing sauna protocols and heat training. By learning how to adjust your pace smartly, you will maintain speed and outshine your competitors even as temperatures skyrocket. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you proactively manage heat, ensuring you remain resilient and composed while others may struggle. But that's not all—we also emphasize the power of choosing the right apparel for those sizzling race days. Discover how selecting wicking materials and sun-protective garments can make all the difference in your performance, along with the game-changing benefits of hats that hold ice and sunglasses to combat glare. Testing your gear i

Ever thought that training in sweltering heat could actually be your secret weapon as an endurance athlete? Coach Patrick shares his journey from the scorching Ironman races in Hawaii to uncover how heat training can lead to significant performance boosts. Having spent nearly two decades working with athletes, he reveals the powerful benefits of heat training, from enhancing blood volume to improving oxygen capacity. Coach Patrick also delivers a personal story about how arriving early for a race in Kona, to acclimate properly, made a huge difference in his performance—despite not being at his peak fitness. Join us for a lively discussion on turning the summer heat into a training partner instead of an obstacle. Coach Patrick offers practical strategies for maintaining fitness during the busiest months of the year, suggesting shorter, heat-focused workouts as an effective way to prepare for races. Forget about long, draining sessions under the sun—Coach Patrick's insights are all about working smarter, not ha

In this episode, Coach Patrick pulls back the curtain on one of Endurance Nation’s most epic annual events — our SOLD OUT Tuscany cycling camp. Daily gravel rides through jaw-dropping Italian countryside   Farm-to-table (more like farm-to-face) meals that fuel the soul   5 days of riding — from casual spins to conquering the brutal 120-mile Strada Bianchi   Sun-soaked climbs, epic descents, and quiet olive groves   Lifelong friendships made one ride (and espresso) at a time More than just a camp, it’s a fitness accelerator disguised as a vacation. Coach Patrick shares the philosophy behind why these “big scary events” are essential for motivation, growth, and fun. Whether you’re looking to shake up your race calendar or just dreaming of an Italian cycling adventure, this episode will have you ready to book your own spot.    Spoiler Alert: This camp is already sold out... but stick around for insider info on how YOU can be part of future Endurance Nation experiences.

What if you could master the art of race strategy and transform your endurance racing experience? Join us on the Dude Guy podcast as we team up with logistics guru Matt to uncover the secrets behind planning and executing the Unbound 200 2025. With Matt's expert insights, we navigate the complexities of the race course, delving into wind patterns, elevation changes, and the critical importance of race positioning. Our conversation reveals how starting strong and riding in a group can give you that extra edge before hitting the first aid station. We also dive into the meticulous planning required to manage fluid and food supplies, ensuring you're prepared to tackle the rising temperatures and unforeseen challenges of race day. Experience the adrenaline and preparation that define race day, where strategic decisions can make or break your performance. We explore the advantages of positioning yourself at the front to dodge congestion and potential crashes, capturing the chaotic energy that marks the early stages

Before the mud, the mayhem, and the mileage... comes the madness of prep. In Part One of this Unbound Gravel deep-dive, your favorite endurance duo break down everything that went into tackling the iconic 200-mile Unbound Gravel race. Broadcasting from the far corners of Vermont to the sun-baked hills of Kansas, we talk logistics, training, gear, nutrition, and the psychological warfare of preparing for the Super Bowl of gravel events. From tire debates and heat training in plastic suits, to prepping like you’re launching into orbit (or just racing across a dust bowl), we unpack nine months of planning into one wild, hilarious, and info-packed episode. Whether you’re gravel-curious or already eyeing Emporia 2026, this is your playbook.   Key Highlights: What is Unbound Gravel and why is it gravel’s Kona? Gravel math: the brutal time math that makes 200 miles feel like forever RPE vs metrics: how ultra-distance breaks your tech Packing, hydration, crew strategy — and the art of not losing your sunglasses in

Can technology truly enhance athletic performance, or are athletes becoming overly dependent on data? Join us as we explore how tech overload affects endurance athletes, sometimes hindering performance by drowning them in a sea of metrics. We share personal experiences and introduce Product 28, an initiative urging athletes to unplug, trust their instincts, and focus on the essence of training, much like the precision required in NASCAR, where only a few key metrics really matter. From primitive tracking tools to social media-like community hubs, training platforms like TrainingPeaks and Strava have revolutionized how athletes engage with their routines. We examine the cultural shift they’ve sparked—where sharing workouts has become as anxiety-inducing as missing them. Strava's evolution, in particular, serves as a fascinating case study of how gamification and social sharing reshape training behaviors, often prioritizing social validation over personal fitness goals. Data paralysis is real, and it's reshapin

Can strategic execution make or break your endurance race performance? Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation joins us to unravel the secrets behind mastering endurance racing beyond mere fitness. Dive into the nuances of upcoming May races, from the 70.3 St George to BWR Utah, and learn how landscapes and weather conditions can redefine your race strategy. We dissect events like Ironman Australia, Ironman 70.3 Mallorca, and 70.3 Gulf Coast, spotlighting how every race demands its unique approach, far beyond just physical readiness. Shift your perspective as we tackle the challenges of Ironman 70.3 races, with a particular focus on the heat and hills of Ironman 70.3 Hawaii and the rugged terrain of Ironman 70.3 St. George. Coach Patrick shares game-changing strategies to conquer these formidable courses, emphasizing meticulous planning around hydration, nutrition, and bike course navigation. Discover why preparation and respect for the course are paramount, and how the stunning locales provide an unforgettable b

Ever wondered why some athletes seem to excel under pressure while others falter despite similar physical preparation? Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation uncovers the often-overlooked element of race training that separates the good from the great: mental preparation. While many athletes invest heavily in physical training, it's the mental game that can truly elevate race day performance. This episode reveals strategies for simulating race-day conditions to hone your mental endurance, tackling challenges like mental fatigue and stress. By sharing insights on pacing, fueling, and equipment choices, Coach Patrick emphasizes the role of self-knowledge and personal experiences in crafting effective mental strategies. The goal? To build smarter, more resilient athletes ready to conquer any race. Visualization is not just a buzzword—it's a powerful tool for race preparation. Join us as we explore two key visualization techniques that prepare you for both ideal race scenarios and unexpected challenges. Imagine a pe

Experience the thrill of European cycling as we recount our 2025 Spring Classics camp journey, where two-wheeled adventures met the charm of Belgian squares and French angles. Find out how Josh's playful antics and Ralph's van mishap added laughter to an already memorable trip that began and ended at Heathrow. Learn the secrets behind tackling iconic sportives like Flanders and Roubaix, savoring Belgian beer, and the camaraderie that binds cyclists as they conquer famous climbs and navigate the cobblestone chaos. Will you uncover the strategies that keep cyclists in high spirits despite relentless winds and challenging gravel paths? Get a front-row seat to the thrilling races in Ehrenberg, feeling the pulse of the velodrome as a French Olympic champion makes a triumphant return. Share the tension of Mads Pedersen's flat tire and Vanderpool's dramatic lead, with each turn of the wheel echoing the raw energy of European cycling. From the picturesque roads to the vibrant cycling community, this episode captures

Uncover the hidden peril of early season fatigue and learn the strategies to tackle it head-on with Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation. This episode offers an eye-opening exploration into the common oversight athletes face, which can quietly destroy their training momentum and compromise late-season performance. Whether you're an early bird hitting the training ground or a late starter just finding your rhythm, the sneaky threat of fatigue is real. Coach Patrick breaks down why this invisible force should be on your radar and provides crucial insights into recognizing and combating it before it derails your goals. Join the journey to safeguarding your athletic ambitions as Coach Patrick exposes the subtle signs of early burnout and guides you toward a balanced training regimen. By mastering the art of strategic rest, smart training, and optimal nutrition, you'll keep fatigue at bay and ensure peak performance when it counts. From understanding the metabolic demands of training out of season to navigating the

What if you could transform your training routine by simply training smarter, not harder? Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation, with over two decades of experience, guides us through the start of the training season with a strategic approach that promises to elevate your fitness journey. As the weather warms up, many athletes are eager to hit the ground running, but Coach Patrick advises against jumping into intense workouts too quickly. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of pacing yourself to avoid burnout and injury. The key is to focus on your "speed to excellence" and to equip yourself with the right knowledge for a successful training season. In our latest episode, Coach Patrick also sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of training, especially nutrition and strategic planning. For those returning to their routines after a break, understanding and adapting your nutritional needs is crucial. With a well-laid 16-week plan, he details how to ease back into training effectively, assessing both your f

Unlock the secrets of race nutrition with Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation, and elevate your race performance to new heights. This episode promises to transform your understanding of nutrition as the essential "fourth discipline" in triathlons, alongside swimming, biking, and running. Discover how to craft a nutrition strategy tailored to your unique needs, incorporating methods like sweat testing and utilizing race course resources. As early-season races serve as crucial learning experiences, Coach Patrick guides you through integrating nutrition into your training to lay the groundwork for success. Get ready to conquer race day with a comprehensive nutrition plan that accounts for intensity, duration, and race conditions. Coach Patrick breaks down the process of calculating fuel needs, visualizing your nutrition setup, and preparing for unexpected challenges like lost gels or broken bottles. By practicing your strategy during training sessions, you'll ensure smooth execution when it counts. For those eag

What if you could master the art of early-season race preparation and avoid the pitfalls of accumulated fatigue? Join me, Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation, as I unveil the secrets to optimizing your training for those crucial early races. With over 20 years of experience coaching more than 10,000 athletes, I’m here to challenge the conventional approach to training. Discover how aligning your weekly training volume to be double the duration of your target race can revolutionize your performance. Plus, learn the importance of integrating race-specific efforts into your training plan to ensure you're both physically and mentally primed for success. Whether you're gearing up for a half Ironman, a full Ironman, or bracing yourself for a grueling 200-mile endurance event like the Unbound Gravel, this episode is packed with strategies to help you peak at just the right time. Stay healthy and committed as I share invaluable tips to achieve peak performance. I'm eager to connect with you, so feel free to engage wi

How can early season training shape your endurance performance for the entire year? Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation joins us to share his wisdom on mastering the early stages of your training calendar. Known for his rich experience in endurance sports, Patrick sheds light on why early season results aren't the ultimate measure of your abilities. He advocates for using early season races, like a 10-mile run or half marathon, as performance benchmarks that provide motivation and a fresh focus. The discussion highlights the importance of strategic reductions in training to prevent burnout, emphasizing that incorporating rest periods is crucial for absorbing training efforts and enhancing overall performance. To boost your cycling skills this spring, Patrick suggests an intense cycling block lasting four to six weeks, reducing other activities like swimming and running to build fluency and handling skills. For those pressed for time, even a three-day cycling weekend can significantly improve fitness. We explo

Ever wondered if you're sabotaging your endurance performance with your nutrition choices? Uncover the pivotal role that strategic fueling plays in excelling at hardcore endurance events like iron distance triathlons and ultra-distance races. We navigate through the extremes of indulgent "train to eat" habits and overly restrictive diets, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach where your body is treated like the high-performance machine it is. Learn how the wrong fueling choices can chip away at your performance, especially during back-to-back workouts, and why hydration and calorie intake should never be left to chance. We tackle the racing equivalent of a hangry meltdown—being "rangry"—and share tips to sidestep this common pitfall. Crafting a nutrition plan that aligns with your fitness ambitions doesn't have to overhaul your daily life. In this episode, we emphasize the power of well-rounded meals, packed with the right mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, to fuel your journey efficiently. Expl

Are you letting your race budget hold you back from achieving your peak performance? Join me, Patrick McCrann, head coach at Endurance Nation, as I share how training camps can be your secret weapon for endurance success. Discover how I managed to balance family life, work-from-home responsibilities, and training by strategically incorporating high-volume training camps into my routine. By focusing on intense training sessions during these camps, I was able to maintain significant fitness improvements with more manageable weekly schedules, ultimately boosting my performance without the need for excessive daily volume. This approach has been a game-changer for me since 2009, and I’m excited to share my journey and insights with you. Listen in as I explore two distinct types of training camps designed to enhance athletic performance leading up to a race. Race-specific camps help athletes acclimate to the course and conditions, while volume training camps, often held in picturesque locations like Italy, Belgium,

What if the secret to unlocking your best race performance lies not in the miles you rack up, but in the tests you undertake early in the season? Join me, Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation, as we flip the script on traditional training and spotlight the often-overlooked power of functional testing. Forget the endless chatter about race logistics and future goals; let's talk about how controlled self-assessments like bike ramp tests and treadmill sessions can revolutionize your performance strategy. This episode is all about using precise data to tailor your training regime, ensuring you're not only prepared for race day but strategically aligned with your pacing and effort levels to truly excel. Embark on a 14-week journey through our out season program, where we focus on building strength and speed in cycling and running. By incorporating structured interval work and consistent running efforts, you'll create a robust foundation for a successful season ahead. We challenge conventional reliance on training v

Join me, Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation, as we embark on our first monthly check-in of 2025, marking the end of January and an astonishing 1/12th of the year already behind us. In this episode, we discuss the critical importance of beginning your training early, especially if you’re aiming for races in the upcoming months. We offer insights into how to jump-start your year if you're feeling behind and highlight the resilience of our community as they tackle the challenges of winter training. From the chilling conditions in Canada to the surprising snow in Florida, our athletes continue to impress with their dedication and tenacity. As we look back at January, I reflect on what makes a strong start to the year and what every athlete should know about themselves as they progress. Discover the significance of understanding your body's rest and nutritional needs, and the importance of adapting to where you are right now rather than where you wish to be. We explore the mental challenges of winter training and