

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

May 21, 2020 • 28min
Q&A #87 - Swim training zones and heart rate monitoring
Q&A #87 - Swim training zones and heart rate monitoring Why it does and doesn't make sense to track your time in different swim training zones How to track your time in zone using pace, heart rate, and the session-goal approach Is heart rate a variable worth monitoring in swimming? LINKS AND RESOURCES: That Triathlon Show website Q&A Episode Archives Coaching If you are an elite or subelite athlete, take part in this survey study on how COVID-19 is affecting athlete training, attitudes, and belief 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.

May 18, 2020 • 1h 9min
Caffeine and Endurance Performance with Ajmol Ali, PhD | EP#234
Dr. Ajmol Ali is Associate Professor at Massey University and one of the author's of the most up-to-date meta-analysis on the use of caffeine as an ergogenic aid in endurance sports. In this episode Dr. Ali discusses this meta-analysis (including 44 studies and more than a thousand total participants), the findings, practical applications, and limitations and direction for future research on caffeine in endurance sports. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -The background on caffeine in endurance sports, including the time on WADA's prohibited substances list -The differences between the meta-analysis conducted by Dr. Ali and previous reviews and meta-analyses, including the specific inclusion criteria and reasons behind them -The findings: 2-3% improvement in endurance performance longer than 5 minutes when ingesting 3-6 mg/kg bodyweight prior to the event -Responders and non-responders: how factors such as caffeine metabolism and sensitivity (determined by specific genes) may impact the effect each individual gets from caffeine -Washout period: do you need to taper off your coffee consumption before an event to get the benefits of caffeine supplementation on race day? SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts234/ 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: The Effect of Acute Caffeine Ingestion on Endurance Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta–Analysis Caffeine Use In Sports: Considerations For The Athlete Dr. Ali's website Dr. Ali's profile on ResearchGate Evidence-based supplements for triathletes and endurance athletes | EP#193 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.

May 14, 2020 • 30min
Q&A #86 - Static stretching, dynamic stretching, foam rolling or manual therapy; How to pace VO2max-intervals (running)
Q&A #86 - Static stretching, dynamic stretching, foam rolling or manual therapy; How to pace VO2max-intervals (running) When does and does it not make sense to use static stretching, dynamic stretching, foam rolling and manual/physical therapy? How should you pace VO2max-intervals when running? LINKS AND RESOURCES: That Triathlon Show website Q&A Episode Archives Coaching Training Plans McMillanRunning.com Running Rewired by Jay Dicharry 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.

May 11, 2020 • 1h 2min
RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports) with Margo Mountjoy | EP#233
Dr. Margo Mountjoy, Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University is a sports medicine clinician and an academic. She is the lead author of the 2018 IOC concensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (RED-S, previously known as the "Female Athlete Triad"). In this episode we discuss RED-S, it's symptoms and root cause, screening and diagnosis, treatment and recovery and more. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Health and performance consequences of RED-S -The root cause of RED-S: energy deficincy -Prevalence, risk groups and risk factors, and early warning signs of RED-S -RED-S in female and male athletes - beyond the female athlete triad -How to avoid RED-S -Energy deficiency and calorie deficit: what is an acceptable range during periods of weight loss? -Screening and diagnosis, treatment, and recovery time course of RED-S SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts233/ 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: IOC consensus statement on relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S): 2018 update Dr. Mountjoy's ResearchGate profile Dr. Mountjoy's profile on the McMaster University website "Health" episode archives 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.

May 7, 2020 • 26min
Q&A #85 - Backyard pool training; Ammonia smell after workouts; Can Max Heart Rate be trained?
Q&A #85 - Backyard pool training; Ammonia smell after workouts; Can Max Heart Rate be trained? If you have access to a small backyard pool and a tether, how much is a reasonable amount to train in it? What is the reason for smelling ammonia after long workouts and what to do about it. Can you increase maximum heart rate with training? Possible reasons for seeing a very low maximum heart rate. LINKS AND RESOURCES: That Triathlon Show website Q&A Episode Archives Coaching Training Plans Scientific Triathlon Training Zones calculator 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.

May 4, 2020 • 1h 10min
Bike fitting with Phil Burt (former Team Sky) | EP#232
Phil Burt is a world renowned bike fitter and physiotherapist who has spent 12 years with British Cycling and 5 years with Team Sky. In this episode we go deep into the topic of bike fitting, covering topics ranging from physiotherapy and injury prevention through power production and aerodynamics. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Physiotherapy, injury prevention, and bike fitting -The balance between aerodynamics, power production, and comfort -How to adapt to a new position on the bike -How to optimise aerodynamics through bike fitting -Saddles and saddle health SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts232/ 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: Phil's website Cycling episode archives 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 30, 2020 • 43min
Q&A #84 - Open Water Swim training structure; Differences between Heart Rate training zone systems
Q&A #84 - Open Water Swim training structure; Differences between Heart Rate training zone systems How should you structure your swim training if you have open water access but no pool access? Different hear rate training zone systems can lead to quite different training levels and intensities - so how do you know which system to choose? LINKS AND RESOURCES: That Triathlon Show website Coaching Training Plans Scientific Triathlon Training Zones calculator 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 27, 2020 • 1h 24min
Frank Jakobsen - Performance, training and mindset | EP#231
Coach Frank Jakobsen came into triathlon coaching via an elite swimming background and later on alpinism. He quickly gained credibility through being the mentor of Ironman World Champion Craig "Crowie" Alexander, and has since coached a large number of professional long distance triathletes. In this episode, Frank discusses his views on triathlon performance, training, and mindset. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Frank's ten-point checklist for triathlon success -Goal-setting and motivation -Training philosophy, and the difference between making more vs. making bigger mitochondria. -Differences and similarities between age-groupers' and professionals' approach to the sport -Transitioning from age-group to professional racing SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts231/ 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: Frank's Sansego (coaching business) bio Next Level Camp website "Training" 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.

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.