The TriDot Triathlon Podcast

Training stress causes soreness and fatigue in the name of improvement. But other types of stress can undermine your efforts. TriDot coaches John Mayfield and Elizabeth James discuss the differences between stress and eustress and the way you react biologically. Apply this practical information to mitigate the negative effects of stress on your triathlon training.

Specialized Human Performance Engineer, Jesse Frank, uses aerodynamics and physiology everyday to ensure athletes are as fast as possible. In this episode, Andrew Harley and John Mayfield talk with Jesse about the wind tunnel testing process and how it's applied to a wide range of equipment options and racing positions. Learn the biggest take-aways that you can apply and which products offer the most aero advantage for your dollar.

The training you take on as a member of the multi-sport community is not for the faint of heart. Mental toughness and an ability to persevere through discomfort is a must if you plan to improve your performance. But can toughness be developed and improved like skill, power, and stamina? TriDot Coaches Jeff Booher and Jeff Raines will help you learn to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Develop your GRIT Factor to train and race at your best.

Whether it's due to tight scheduling, poor weather conditions, traffic-filled routes, or nailing a specific workout session, many triathletes are training indoors. In this episode, TriDot coaches John Mayfield and Elizabeth James discuss the realities of virtual training. They describe the role various virtual platforms can play in your training routine, provide guidance about incorporating them, and offer recommendations for competing in virtual events. Learn how you can train in a virtual world for real results on the race course.

Could your triathlon performance be enhanced with the use of an ergogenic aid? In this episode, sports nutritionist Dr. Krista Austin covers an extensive list of supplements intended to enhance training and racing performance. Learn about the potential benefits of sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, exogenous ketones, caffeine, and nitric oxide supplements—to name just a few! Dr. Krista also provides recommended uses for each supplement and the potential harmful side effects if used incorrectly.

If you've ever experienced a slump in training motivation, you're not alone! But what can you do when you're losing focus during training or struggling to get started? TriDot coaches John Mayfield and Elizabeth James discuss strategies for staying motivated and offer practical ways to keep your goals and training purpose in sight.

How do you know if supplements may be a beneficial addition to your daily nutrition? With a multitude of products promising to be the missing link in your nutrition regimen, sports nutritionist Dr. Krista Austin cuts through the noise and gives you the facts. Listen in as she shares how you can determine deficiencies in your diet and what considerations should be taken before adding supplements. Drill down on the benefits and best sources for vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, probiotics, and omega 3's.

Improve your swim times without getting wet! Dry-land swim training, properly executed, can increase your power, form, and speed in the water. TriDot coaches John Mayfield and Jeff Raines discuss how to supplement your swim training with out-of-the-water exercises. Learn how dry-land training develops swim-specific strength, reinforces proper technique, increases your range of motion, and establishes muscle memory.

A brief summary of this episode

Don't be a 'dull axe' athlete! Abraham Lincoln once said, "If you give me six hours to chop down a tree, I'll spend the first four sharpening my axe." Sharpen your axe with this episode and get ready to hack down your training goals! Go behind the scenes and meet the woman with the answers, the heartbeat of TriDot's athlete support and six-time Ironman finisher, Cindy Reeves. She, along with Vice President of Athlete Services, John Mayfield, will answer the most frequently asked (and funniest) questions and share the most valuable learnings from the thousands of athletes they've served.