

That Triathlon Show
Mikael Eriksson
That Triathlon Show is the podcast for triathletes of all levels who want to train smarter and race faster. With over 600 episodes and millions of downloads since 2017, this show cuts through the noise and misinformation, delivering practical, no-nonsense advice rooted in both the art and science of training and performance.
The podcast features in-depth interviews with the world’s best coaches, top sports scientists, and elite athletes. Each episode dives into the nuances of training methodology, performance optimization, and race-day execution, providing insights you can apply right away. Whether you're preparing for a supersprint or an Ironman, or focusing on a single sport like swimming, cycling, or running, you'll find expert guidance and relevant content here.
The podcast is hosted by Mikael Eriksson, a former engineer now coaching professional and age-group athletes. Mikael is a Level III certified coach with over a decade of experience in coaching.
Join a global community of dedicated triathletes and take your performance to the next level. Learn more at www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast.
The podcast features in-depth interviews with the world’s best coaches, top sports scientists, and elite athletes. Each episode dives into the nuances of training methodology, performance optimization, and race-day execution, providing insights you can apply right away. Whether you're preparing for a supersprint or an Ironman, or focusing on a single sport like swimming, cycling, or running, you'll find expert guidance and relevant content here.
The podcast is hosted by Mikael Eriksson, a former engineer now coaching professional and age-group athletes. Mikael is a Level III certified coach with over a decade of experience in coaching.
Join a global community of dedicated triathletes and take your performance to the next level. Learn more at www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 17min
Luca Zenti - UAE Team ADQ coach on Tour de France Femmes and bike training for triathletes | EP#469
Luca Zenti, a coach and data analyst for UAE Team ADQ, shares valuable insights on women's cycling and triathlon training. He reflects on the Tour de France Femmes, revealing the specific metrics required to excel in different race stages. The discussion compares the training methods of top cyclists and triathletes, highlighting key strategies for improving bike performance. Luca also offers advice for age-group triathletes and emphasizes the importance of tailored training plans that balance data analysis with personalized coaching for optimal results.

Aug 16, 2025 • 1h 10min
The replication crisis in sports science with Joe Warne, PhD | EP#468
Joe Warne, PhD, a researcher at Technological University Dublin and a leading figure at the Sports Science Replication Centre, discusses the alarming replication crisis in sports science. He reveals that only 28% of studies can be successfully replicated, raising concerns about research quality. Joe emphasizes the need for coaches and athletes to critically evaluate scientific findings and navigate issues like publication bias and statistical misinterpretation. He advocates for rigorous research standards to improve credibility in the field.

Aug 9, 2025 • 40min
Beginner Series 4 - Training structure and key principles
Explore essential training principles tailored for beginner triathletes. Learn how to structure your weekly workouts with the right balance of frequency, duration, and intensity. Discover the significance of micro-, meso-, and macrocycles in your training. Find out how to assess if your plan is effective while avoiding common mistakes. Get practical tips for creating a training schedule that prioritizes consistency and recovery, ensuring you stay energized and avoid burnout.

Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 9min
The new Kona and 70.3 Worlds qualification system with Russ Cox | EP#467
Russ Cox, a data analyst specializing in Ironman and 70.3 Worlds qualification, breaks down the newly announced qualification systems. He highlights how the 'Kona standard' and '70.3 standard' work, dispelling common misconceptions. The pros and cons of this system raise questions about fairness and potential winners and losers. Athletes will learn how to optimize race selection and the time needed to qualify, along with the impact of course difficulties on their performance. A must-listen for anyone eyeing the starting line!

6 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 34min
Beginner Series 3 - Gear and Equipment
In part 3 of the Beginner Series, we discuss all things gear and equipment. What gear do you need early on, what is nice to have but not essential, and what gear should you delay getting until you have a acquired some more triathlon experience? HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY TOPICS: Essential swim, bike, run and race day gear for beginner triathletes Nice-to-have but non-essential gear in the aforementioned categoriesUpgrades for later on: gear and equipment to hold off on for a little bit, until you know you want to commit to triathlonCommon mistakes related to gear and equipment The importance of correct sizing and fit of wetsuits, bikes and running shoes. How to save money (or avoid wasting money) on triathlon gearDETAILED EPISODE SHOWNOTES: We have detailed shownotes for all of our episodes. The shownotes are basically the podcast episode in written form, that you can read in 5-10 minutes. They are not transcriptions, but they are also not just surface-level overviews. They provide detailed insights and timestamps for each episode, and are great especially for later review, after you've already listened to an episode. The shownotes for today's episode can be found at www.scientifictriathlon.com/beginner3/LINKS AND RESOURCES: NAWHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NEXT?If you enjoyed this episode and have missed any of the previous installments of this series, be sure to give them a listen: Beginner Series 1 – Introduction to TriathlonBeginner Series 2 – Selecting your first triathlonYou can find our full episode archives here, where you can filter for categories such as Training, Racing, Science & Physiology, Swimming, Cycling, Running etc.You can also find separate archives for specific series of episodes I've done, specifically Q&A episodes, TTS Thursday episodes, and Beginner Tips episodes. LEARN MORE ABOUT SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON: The Scientific Triathlon website is the home of That Triathlon Show and everything else that we doContact us through our contact form or email me directly (note - email/contact form messages get responded to much more quickly than Instagram DMs)Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on InstagramLearn more about our coaching, training plans, and training camps. We have something to offer for everybody from beginners to professionals. HOW CAN I SUPPORT THAT TRIATHLON SHOW (FOR FREE)? I really appreciate you reading this and considering helping the show! If you love the show and want to support it to help ensure it sticks around, there are a few very simple things you can do, at no cost other than a minute of your time. Subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app to automatically get all new episodes as they are released.Tell your friends, internet and social media friends, acquaintances and triathlon frenemies about the podcast. Word of mouth is the best way to grow the podcast by far! Rate and review the podcast (ideally five stars of course!) in your podcast app of choice (Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the biggest and most important ones).Share episodes online and on social media. Share your favourite episodes in your Instagram stories, start a discussion about interesting episodes on forums, reference them in your blog or Substack. SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.
NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 8min
Solveig Løvseth - Olympian and the fastest Ironman debut in history | EP#466
Solveig Løvseth is a professional triathlete from Norway. She's an Olympian from Paris 2024, double European Games champion from 2023 (individual and mixed team relay), and has the fastest Ironman debut in history with her 8:12:28 in Hamburg. In this interview, we discuss Solveig's career to date, her Olympic experience, her current focus on the Ironman Pro Series, and of course we cover her training in detail. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY TOPICS: Solveig's entry into triathlon, her short-course career and her experience at the Paris OlympicsWill Solveig return to short-course triathlon for the LA Olympics? Solveig's take on Ironman Hamburg, and having the fastest Ironman debut in historyTraining with Team Norway under the guidance of Mikal IdenSolveig's training structure overall, and specifics across swim, bike and runA breakdown of a full week of training in preparation for Ironman Lake PlacidVO2max, LT1 and LT2 and other quickfire statsDETAILED EPISODE SHOWNOTES: We have detailed shownotes for all of our episodes. The shownotes are basically the podcast episode in written form, that you can read in 5-10 minutes. They are not transcriptions, but they are also not just surface-level overviews. They provide detailed insights and timestamps for each episode, and are great especially for later review, after you've already listened to an episode. Naturally, as great as they are, they do not cover absolutely everything in as great detail as we can do in a 45-90 minute podcast episode. The shownotes for today's episode can be found at www.scientifictriathlon.com/tts466/LINKS AND RESOURCES: Solveig's InstagramWHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NEXT?If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'll love the following episodes: How Norway became a triathlon powerhouse with head coach Arild Tveiten | EP#154Arild Tveiten – coach of Kristian Blummenfelt, Gustav Iden and Casper Stornes on triathlon training the Norwegian way | EP#223Olympic gold medal training and preparation with Arild Tveiten | EP#304Arild Tveiten – from triathlon to swimming, and reflections on Paris 2024 | EP#458Applied triathlon science with Olav Aleksander Bu (Norwegian Triathlon Olympic team) | EP#264Olav Aleksander Bu | EP#369You can find our full episode archives here, where you can filter for categories such as Training, Racing, Science & Physiology, Swimming, Cycling, Running etc.You can also find separate archives for specific series of episodes I've done, specifically Q&A episodes, TTS Thursday episodes, and Beginner Tips episodes. LEARN MORE ABOUT SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON: The Scientific Triathlon website is the home of That Triathlon Show and everything else that we doContact us through our contact form or email me directly (note - email/contact form messages get responded to much more quickly than Instagram DMs)Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on InstagramLearn more about our coaching, training plans, and training camps. We have something to offer for everybody from beginners to professionals. HOW CAN I SUPPORT THAT TRIATHLON SHOW (FOR FREE)? I really appreciate you reading this and considering helping the show! If you love the show and want to support it to help ensure it sticks around, there are a few very simple things you can do, at no cost other than a minute of your time. Subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app to automatically get all new episodes as they are released.Tell your friends, internet and social media friends, acquaintances and triathlon frenemies about the podcast. Word of mouth is the best way to grow the podcast by far! Rate and review the podcast (ideally five stars of course!) in your podcast app of choice (Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the biggest and most important ones).Share episodes online and on social media. Share your favourite episodes in your Instagram stories, start a discussion about interesting episodes on forums, reference them in your blog or Substack. SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.
NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

Jul 13, 2025 • 1h 15min
John Wakefield of Red Bull BORA hansgrohe - cycling coach and bike fitter | EP#465
John Wakefield is a cycling coach and bike fitter. He is a coach and Director of Development at Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, and coaches riders at the World Tour level, as well as working directly with and managing the U23 and younger development teams. In this interview, we dive deep into John's thoughts training and coaching, as well as his approach to bike fitting in detail. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY TOPICS: John's training philosophyThe importance of focusing on recovery and adaptation to trainingUsing a submaximal test to measure training response and readinessThe volume and intensity of world tour cyclists' trainingWhy and how to use torque trainingHow to balance comfort, power production, and aerodynamics in a bike fitCommon ailments and injuries and how to solve them with a good bike fitThe role of technology in bike fittingCommon issues in bike fits among amateur cyclistsListener questionsDETAILED EPISODE SHOWNOTES: We have detailed shownotes for all of our episodes. The shownotes are basically the podcast episode in written form, that you can read in 5-10 minutes. They are not transcriptions, but they are also not just surface-level overviews. They provide detailed insights and timestamps for each episode, and are great especially for later review, after you've already listened to an episode. Naturally, as great as they are, they do not cover absolutely everything in as great detail as we can do in a 45-90 minute podcast episode. The shownotes for today's episode can be found at www.scientifictriathlon.com/tts465/LINKS AND RESOURCES: John's website (Science2Sport), Instagram (personal and business), and XMarkers of overreaching, and the LSCT cycling test with prof. Robert Lamberts and Annemiek Roete | EP#299 - in this interview we discuss the science and practice of the original submaximal fatigue test, which forms the basis for John's submaximal fatigue testWHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NEXT?If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'll love the following episodes: Dr. Guido Vroemen – Training Talk | EP#460 - an in-depth training discussion, with a special focus on triathlon cycling performance and torque trainingAnna Kiesenhofer – Olympic Champion | EP#454 - a deep-dive into the training of the Olympic Champion from the women's road race in Tokyo 2021Bike fitting, equipment, and triathlon bike training with David Bowden | EP#287 - for more information on bike fitting, specifically for triathlon, this is a great place to startYou can find our full episode archives here, where you can filter for categories such as Training, Racing, Science & Physiology, Swimming, Cycling, Running etc.You can also find separate archives for specific series of episodes I've done, specifically Q&A episodes, TTS Thursday episodes, and Beginner Tips episodes. LEARN MORE ABOUT SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON: The Scientific Triathlon website is the home of That Triathlon Show and everything else that we doContact us through our contact form or email me directly (note - email/contact form messages get responded to much more quickly than Instagram DMs)Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on InstagramLearn more about our coaching, training plans, and training camps. We have something to offer for everybody from beginners to professionals. HOW CAN I SUPPORT THAT TRIATHLON SHOW (FOR FREE)? I really appreciate you reading this and considering helping the show! If you love the show and want to support it to help ensure it sticks around, there are a few very simple things you can do, at no cost other than a minute of your time. Subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app to automatically get all new episodes as they are released.Tell your friends, internet and social media friends, acquaintances and triathlon frenemies about the podcast. Word of mouth is the best way to grow the podcast by far! Rate and review the podcast (ideally five stars of course!) in your podcast app of choice (Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the biggest and most important ones).Share episodes online and on social media. Share your favourite episodes in your Instagram stories, start a discussion about interesting episodes on forums, reference them in your blog or Substack. SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.
NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

Jun 28, 2025 • 40min
Beginner Series 2 - Selecting your first triathlon
In part 2 of the Beginner Series, we discuss what you should think about and take into consideration when selecting and signing up for your first ever triathlon. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY TOPICS: Why the choice of your first triathlon mattersPicking the right distance (the most important variable)Swim format, course type, local vs. destination races, timing and season, and other important considerationsHow and where to find a good first triathlonCommon mistakes related to first race selectionAthlete storiesDETAILED EPISODE SHOWNOTES: We have detailed shownotes for all of our episodes. The shownotes are basically the podcast episode in written form, that you can read in 5-10 minutes. They are not transcriptions, but they are also not just surface-level overviews. They provide detailed insights and timestamps for each episode, and are great especially for later review, after you've already listened to an episode. The shownotes for today's episode can be found at www.scientifictriathlon.com/beginner2/LINKS AND RESOURCES: USA Triathlon Events CalendarBritish Triathlon Events CalendarAhotu.com - global endurance event databaseWHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NEXT?If you enjoyed this episode and missed part 1 of the series, be sure to give it a listen: Beginner Series 1 – Introduction to TriathlonYou can find our full episode archives here, where you can filter for categories such as Training, Racing, Science & Physiology, Swimming, Cycling, Running etc.You can also find separate archives for specific series of episodes I've done, specifically Q&A episodes, TTS Thursday episodes, and Beginner Tips episodes. LEARN MORE ABOUT SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON: The Scientific Triathlon website is the home of That Triathlon Show and everything else that we doContact us through our contact form or email me directly (note - email/contact form messages get responded to much more quickly than Instagram DMs)Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on InstagramLearn more about our coaching, training plans, and training camps. We have something to offer for everybody from beginners to professionals. HOW CAN I SUPPORT THAT TRIATHLON SHOW (FOR FREE)? I really appreciate you reading this and considering helping the show! If you love the show and want to support it to help ensure it sticks around, there are a few very simple things you can do, at no cost other than a minute of your time. Subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app to automatically get all new episodes as they are released.Tell your friends, internet and social media friends, acquaintances and triathlon frenemies about the podcast. Word of mouth is the best way to grow the podcast by far! Rate and review the podcast (ideally five stars of course!) in your podcast app of choice (Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the biggest and most important ones).Share episodes online and on social media. Share your favourite episodes in your Instagram stories, start a discussion about interesting episodes on forums, reference them in your blog or Substack. SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.
NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

Jun 21, 2025 • 57min
Beginner Series 1 - Introduction to Triathlon
In part 1 of the Beginner Series, we discuss the ins and outs of what you need to know if you're just starting out in triathlon, or considering doing so. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY TOPICS: What is triathlon?Standard and non-standard triathlon distancesWho can do a triathlon?Gear and equipment to get startedBasic terminologyMikael's first triathlon storyCommon questions and misconceptionsNext stepsDETAILED EPISODE SHOWNOTES: We have detailed shownotes for all of our episodes. The shownotes are basically the podcast episode in written form, that you can read in 5-10 minutes. They are not transcriptions, but they are also not just surface-level overviews. They provide detailed insights and timestamps for each episode, and are great especially for later review, after you've already listened to an episode. Naturally, as great as they are, they do not cover absolutely everything in as great detail as we can do in a 45-90 minute podcast episode. The shownotes for today's episode can be found at www.scientifictriathlon.com/beginner1/LINKS AND RESOURCES: The original Beginner Tips series on That Triathlon ShowWHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NEXT?If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'll love the following episodes: Technique improvement and swim training for triathletes with Brenton Ford | EP#320Polarised training with Stephen Seiler, PhD | EP#177You can find our full episode archives here, where you can filter for categories such as Training, Racing, Science & Physiology, Swimming, Cycling, Running etc.You can also find separate archives for specific series of episodes I've done, specifically Q&A episodes, TTS Thursday episodes, and Beginner Tips episodes. LEARN MORE ABOUT SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON: The Scientific Triathlon website is the home of That Triathlon Show and everything else that we doContact us through our contact form or email me directly (note - email/contact form messages get responded to much more quickly than Instagram DMs)Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on InstagramLearn more about our coaching, training plans, and training camps. We have something to offer for everybody from beginners to professionals. HOW CAN I SUPPORT THAT TRIATHLON SHOW (FOR FREE)? I really appreciate you reading this and considering helping the show! If you love the show and want to support it to help ensure it sticks around, there are a few very simple things you can do, at no cost other than a minute of your time. Subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app to automatically get all new episodes as they are released.Tell your friends, internet and social media friends, acquaintances and triathlon frenemies about the podcast. Word of mouth is the best way to grow the podcast by far! Rate and review the podcast (ideally five stars of course!) in your podcast app of choice (Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the biggest and most important ones).Share episodes online and on social media. Share your favourite episodes in your Instagram stories, start a discussion about interesting episodes on forums, reference them in your blog or Substack. SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.
NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 34min
John Davis - Coaching, physiology, and running calculators | EP#464
John Davis, a distinguished running coach and researcher, brings his insights from the blog Running Writings to the discussion. He dives into his innovative calculators, which help runners optimize their training by focusing on individualized needs. John elaborates on the significance of physiological models, the value of long steady runs, and strategies to enhance durability in performance. The conversation emphasizes a coaching philosophy centered on effort rather than strict pacing, making it a must-listen for runners and coaches alike.