WHOOP Podcast How to Cross-Train with Ironman World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay
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Aug 13, 2025 
Lucy Charles-Barclay, an Ironman World Champion and former elite swimmer, shares her journey from competitive swimming to triathlon stardom. She discusses balancing rigorous training for swim, bike, and run while managing celiac disease. Lucy reveals her effective recovery strategies, insights on nutrition, and how she uses WHOOP technology to monitor her performance. She also opens up about building a fitness community on YouTube and her excitement for upcoming competitions, emphasizing the importance of consistency and the mental aspects of elite training.
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Periodize To Progress
- Triathlon requires focused blocks: you cannot fully train all three disciplines at once.
- Prioritize one discipline for a period while keeping baseline sessions in the others to raise overall performance.
From Missed Olympics To Ironman Career
- Lucy transitioned from elite swimming to Ironman after missing Olympic selection and a period away from sport.
- She and her husband signed up for an Ironman on a whim and became hooked, turning it into her career.
Kona: Bridesmaid To Champion
- Lucy placed second at Kona four times before winning in 2023 with the fastest time ever.
- Her win felt especially rewarding after setbacks and an injury earlier that year.