
That Triathlon Show
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.
Latest episodes

14 snips
Apr 23, 2020 • 32min
Q&A #83 - Mechanisms behind endurance adaptations to strength training; Functional vs. heavy-resistance strength training
Discover how strength training can boost endurance performance by altering muscle fiber types and improving neuromuscular function. Explore the key differences between functional exercises and heavy-resistance training, and learn how a balanced approach can enhance athletic capabilities. The discussion also dives into the importance of electrolyte balance during training and how the right equipment can significantly impact performance. Get insights backed by research, making complex training concepts accessible and actionable for athletes.

Apr 20, 2020 • 1h 19min
Juli Benson - Olympian and elite running coach | EP#230
Juli Benson is a 1996 US Olympian in the 1500 m turned elite running coach, with among other accomplishments coaching Jenny Simpson to her 1500m World Championship victory. In this episode she describes her coaching philosophy, and also discusses the lack of female endurance coaches, in particular at the highest level. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Juli's coaching philosophy and influences -Periodisation -The balance of volume and intensity -Strength and conditioning -Nutrition, and navigating disordered eating -The lack of female endurance coaches, in particular at the elite level, and what to do about it SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts230/ THAT TRIATHLON SHOW HOMEPAGE: www.thattriathlonshow.com SPONSORS: Precision Hydration - One-size doesn't fit all when it comes to hydration. Take Precision Hydration's FREE sweat test and learn how you should hydrate. Use the discount code THATTRIATHLONSHOW15 to get 15% off your order OR use the code THATTRIATHLONSHOW and get your first box for free. ROKA - The finest triathlon wetsuits, apparel, equipment, and eyewear on the planet. Trusted by Javier Gómez, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy, Mario Mola, Lucy Charles and others. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Juli's website Running episode archive on That Triathlon Show RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Apr 16, 2020 • 31min
Q&A #82 - Minimum worthwhile time for a workout; Two hard workouts on the same day
Q&A #82 - Minimum worthwhile time for a workout; Two hard workouts on the same day What is the minimum duration a workout (particularly a bike) should be to be worthwhile? Is deliberate planning of two hard workouts on the same day (e.g. "double-threshold") an effective strategy to get a stronger training response? LINKS AND RESOURCES: That Triathlon Show website Coaching Training Plans PGC-1β is downregulated by training in human skeletal muscle: no effect of training twice every second day vs. once daily on expression of the PGC-1 family Skeletal muscle adaptation and performance responses to once a day versus twice every second day endurance training regimens Twice-a-day training improves mitochondrial efficiency, but not mitochondrial biogenesis, compared with once-daily training Exercise twice-a-day potentiates markers of mitochondrial biogenesis in men Post‐exercise carbohydrate and energy availability induce independent effects on skeletal muscle cell signalling and bone turnover: implications for training adaptation SPONSORS: Precision Hydration - One-size doesn't fit all when it comes to hydration. Take Precision Hydration's FREE sweat test and learn how you should hydrate. Use the discount code THATTRIATHLONSHOW15 to get 15% off your order OR use the code THATTRIATHLONSHOW and get your first box for free. ROKA - The finest triathlon wetsuits, apparel, equipment, and eyewear on the planet. Trusted by Javier Gómez, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy, Mario Mola, Lucy Charles and others. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order. RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing. CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Apr 13, 2020 • 56min
Dan Bigham - aerodynamic testing, equipment, and making your bike fast | EP#229
Dan Bigham, a multiple British Champion and an aerodynamics consultant, shares his extensive expertise in optimizing cycling performance. He dives into innovative aerodynamic testing methods and the crucial role of on-bike sensors. Bigham emphasizes the significance of personalized bike fit for enhancing power and efficiency. He discusses practical upgrades and the cost-to-performance ratio essential for competitive cyclists. Tune in for insights that can help both amateur and elite athletes unlock their potential on the bike!

Apr 9, 2020 • 24min
Q&A #81 - "Race pace" or Z2-training for Ironman; FTP-tests vs. race-specific fixed heart rate tests
Q&A #81 - "Race pace" or Z2-training for Ironman; FTP-tests vs. race-specific fixed heart rate tests For slower Ironman athletes, target race pace and Z2 are pretty much the same. Is there any benefit in training (in particular running) at race pace if it realistically is just a slow shuffle? What are the pros and cons of a classic FTP-test vs. riding at a fixed (race-specific) heart rate (or power) and measuring how power (or heart rate) progresses for that fixed value? LINKS AND RESOURCES: That Triathlon Show website Coaching Training Plans SPONSORS: Precision Hydration - One-size doesn't fit all when it comes to hydration. Take Precision Hydration's FREE sweat test and learn how you should hydrate. Use the discount code THATTRIATHLONSHOW15 to get 15% off your order OR use the code THATTRIATHLONSHOW and get your first box for free. ROKA - The finest triathlon wetsuits, apparel, equipment, and eyewear on the planet. Trusted by Javier Gómez, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy, Mario Mola, Lucy Charles and others. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order. RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing. CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Apr 6, 2020 • 1h 15min
Functional Mental Toughness with Bradford Cooper, PhD | EP#228
Bradford Cooper, PhD, is an academic, business executive, and extremely accomplished endurance athlete (among other achievements, he has won the Race Across America). He joins us to discuss his research in the field of Functional Mental Toughness (fMT), its implications and practical takeaways for endurance athletes of all levels. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -What is functional mental toughness and why is it important? -Mental toughness is ever-changing, not fixed -Mental toughness is a trainable skill, not an inherent trait -The quantifiable impact of variations in mental toughness on endurance performance -Tactics and strategies for improving mental toughness: the Prepare, Thrive, and Activate framework SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts228/ THAT TRIATHLON SHOW HOMEPAGE: www.thattriathlonshow.com SPONSORS: Precision Hydration - One-size doesn't fit all when it comes to hydration. Take Precision Hydration's FREE sweat test and learn how you should hydrate. Use the discount code THATTRIATHLONSHOW15 to get 15% off your order OR use the code THATTRIATHLONSHOW and get your first box for free. ROKA - The finest triathlon wetsuits, apparel, equipment, and eyewear on the planet. Trusted by Javier Gómez, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy, Mario Mola, Lucy Charles and others. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Psychology-related episodes on That Triathlon Show (Category archive) Dr. Cooper's website Dr. Cooper's publications Catalyst Health and Wellness Coaching Podcast RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Apr 2, 2020 • 41min
Q&A #80 - Muscle mass, fibre type distribution and considerations for triathlon
Q&A #80 - Muscle mass, fibre type distribution and considerations for triathlon What special considerations should muscular triathletes (e.g. powerlifters and bodybuilders) take regarding... ...general training ...lactate production and lactate threshold (or Maximum Lactate Steady State) ...race nutrition and hydration ...swimming, body position and buoyancy ...cycling, power-to-weight, and power-to-aerodynamics LINKS AND RESOURCES: That Triathlon Show website Coaching Training Plans Muscle capillary supply and fiber type characteristics in weight and power lifters SPONSORS: Precision Hydration - One-size doesn't fit all when it comes to hydration. Take Precision Hydration's FREE sweat test and learn how you should hydrate. Use the discount code THATTRIATHLONSHOW15 to get 15% off your order OR use the code THATTRIATHLONSHOW and get your first box for free. ROKA - The finest triathlon wetsuits, apparel, equipment, and eyewear on the planet. Trusted by Javier Gómez, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy, Mario Mola, Lucy Charles and others. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order. RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing. CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Mar 30, 2020 • 56min
Perspectives on coaching with David Tilbury-Davis | EP#227
David Tilbury-Davis has been coaching professional and age group athletes since 1995, helping them achieve 3 World titles, 11 National titles, 3 Ironman Regional Championship titles, and numerous wins, podiums and personal bests in various races. In this interview, David discusses coaching from the coach's perspective - what goes on backstage away from workout prescriptions, coaching calls and training plans? This is part two of a two-part interview. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Defining success as a coach -Creating meaningful work as a coach -Remote coaching vs. face-to-face coaching -Work/life balance as a coach -Mental health for the athlete and the coach -Data vs. RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) -Doping SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts227/ THAT TRIATHLON SHOW HOMEPAGE: www.thattriathlonshow.com SPONSORS: Precision Hydration - One-size doesn't fit all when it comes to hydration. Take Precision Hydration's FREE sweat test and learn how you should hydrate. Use the discount code THATTRIATHLONSHOW15 to get 15% off your order OR use the code THATTRIATHLONSHOW and get your first box for free. ROKA - The finest triathlon wetsuits, apparel, equipment, and eyewear on the planet. Trusted by Javier Gómez, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy, Mario Mola, Lucy Charles and others. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Perspectives on training with David Tilbury-Davis | EP#226 Training Talk: Splicing Workouts, Cognitive Load, and more with David Tilbury-Davis | EP#53 Triathlon race planning with David Tilbury-Davis | EP#149 David's website RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Mar 26, 2020 • 28min
Q&A #79 - How to train when you have only hilly terrain around you and no flats
Q&A #79 - How to train when you have only hilly terrain around you and no flats In what types of bike and run workouts should you try to minimise hills? Is sustainable bike power higher on hills, and if so, does it change your power targets when riding uphill? When you already do loads of unstructured hill workouts, is there any reason to still do structured hill work? LINKS AND RESOURCES: That Triathlon Show website Coaching Training Plans Q&A #72 - Hill repeats and long runs; Protein for endurance athletes SPONSORS: Precision Hydration - One-size doesn't fit all when it comes to hydration. Take Precision Hydration's FREE sweat test and learn how you should hydrate. Use the discount code THATTRIATHLONSHOW15 to get 15% off your order OR use the code THATTRIATHLONSHOW and get your first box for free. ROKA - The finest triathlon wetsuits, apparel, equipment, and eyewear on the planet. Trusted by Javier Gómez, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy, Mario Mola, Lucy Charles and others. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order. RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing. CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Mar 23, 2020 • 1h 9min
Perspectives on training with David Tilbury-Davis | EP#226
David Tilbury-Davis has been coaching professional and age group athletes since 1995, helping them achieve 3 World titles, 11 National titles, 3 Ironman Regional Championship titles, and numerous wins, podiums and personal bests in various races. In this interview, David discusses his coaching philosophy and his perspective on a number of fundamental training-related questions. This is part one of a two-part interview. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -David's coaching philosphy -Volume and intensity -Periodisation -Workout prescription and execution SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts226/ THAT TRIATHLON SHOW HOMEPAGE: www.thattriathlonshow.com SPONSORS: Precision Hydration - One-size doesn't fit all when it comes to hydration. Take Precision Hydration's FREE sweat test and learn how you should hydrate. Use the discount code THATTRIATHLONSHOW15 to get 15% off your order OR use the code THATTRIATHLONSHOW and get your first box for free. ROKA - The finest triathlon wetsuits, apparel, equipment, and eyewear on the planet. Trusted by Javier Gómez, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy, Mario Mola, Lucy Charles and others. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Training Talk: Splicing Workouts, Cognitive Load, and more with David Tilbury-Davis | EP#53 Triathlon race planning with David Tilbury-Davis | EP#149 David's website David's interview on Lionel Sanders' Youtube-channel RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.