Purple Patch Podcast

Episode 351: Go Time! Key Considerations of dialing in your Winter to Spring: From PREP to BUILD

Mar 5, 2025

In this discussion, Max Gering, a renowned Purple Patch Coach and expert in IRONMAN training, shares crucial insights on optimizing training for athletes. He highlights common pitfalls like neglecting strength workouts and failing to adjust calorie intake with increasing volume. Emphasizing balance, he advocates for fun in training, stressing its importance for long-term success. The conversation also touches on effective fueling strategies and the need for a positive mindset as athletes transition from off-season to peak competition preparation.

58:19

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Episode guests

Max Gering

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Effective IRONMAN training can be optimized within 8-12 hours per week, balancing performance with life responsibilities.

Neglecting strength training can hinder performance and increase injury risk, making it essential even during intense training periods.

Maintaining enjoyment in training is crucial for mental health and performance, encouraging a positive mindset while preventing burnout.

Deep dives

Reevaluating Ironman Training Hours

Many athletes believe that to excel in an Ironman, they must train 18-22 hours per week, but this mentality is misleading. A more effective approach is to optimize training within 8 to 12 hours a week, allowing for better integration into daily life. This method not only enhances performance but also minimizes the risk of injury and fosters a healthier balance between training and other life responsibilities. During an upcoming webinar, the speaker plans to illustrate how this strategic training can significantly benefit athletes, enabling them to race faster while maintaining their well-being.

Intro

5min

Evolving Roles and Athlete Engagement in the Purple Patch Community

3min

Breaking Barriers: Reflection and Forward Momentum for Triathletes

2min

The Joy of Community in Training Camps

4min

Navigating the Transition to Competitive Season

27min

Navigating Fueling Strategies for Ironman Training

6min

Balancing Fun and Performance in Training

11min

IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Coach Max Gering discuss the importance of strategic training for IRONMAN and half IRONMAN races, emphasizing that 8-12 hours of training per week can be optimized for performance. They highlight common mistakes athletes make, such as neglecting strength training, ramping up training too quickly, and failing to increase calorie intake as training volume increases. They stress the importance of maintaining a balanced approach, including proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery. Max also underscores the need for athletes to have fun and maintain a positive mindset, suggesting that enjoying the journey is crucial for long-term success and performance.

Max raises the issue of athletes forgetting to have fun as they ramp up their training. Dixon shares a story about an athlete who significantly improved her performance by increasing her calorie intake, highlighting the impact of proper fueling. Together, they share reflections on what Purple Patch has been focusing on with it’s Athletes over the last few months, along with telling advice on common mistakes to avoid in preparation for this season.

If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com.

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