The TriDot Triathlon Podcast

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!