

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

Dec 11, 2017 • 32min
High performance and long-term athlete development with Mark Elliott | EP#83
Mark Elliott is Triathlon New Zealand's High Performance Director. With a long background in high-performance sports and countless championships medal under his leadership in triathlon and cycling, he is the perfect person to talk athlete development. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: Triathlon New Zealand's high-performance initiative Long-term athlete development The three most important traits of any triathlete: elite or age-grouper What age-gropers can learn from high-performance sports (that they aren't currently doing) Advice for parents of kids doing triathlon or endurance sports SHOWNOTES: 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 THATTRIATHLONSHOW for 15% off any products. Ventum - The ultimate triathlon bikes, using technology from fighter jets and Formula One race cars. Easier to build, pack, and travel with than any other tri bike. Get 110% of the value of your old bike towards the purchase of a new Ventum bike. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Triathlon New Zealand's website Mark Elliott's Bio 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 Twitter - my handle is @SciTriat.

Dec 7, 2017 • 47min
Flow - Feel your best and Perform your best with Steven Kotler | EP#82
Steven Kotler is a world-leading expert on flow, a speaker, and a best-sellign author. He explains how flow, a state of optimal consciousness where we feel our best and perform our best, is at the core of great athletic accomplishments (as well as creative or scientific ones), and is something very much trainable and attainable for any triathlete. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: What is Flow and how does it work? How it helps athletes perform better in races and get more out of training by (among other things) accelerating learning, reducing pain and increasing muscle strength The Flow Triggers that can give rise to flow and some special tricks you can use to push you over the edge How long you can expect a flow state to last, and how frequently you can achieve it SHOWNOTES: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 THATTRIATHLONSHOW for 15% off any products. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Flow Genome Project Steven Kotler Monday of the Mind videos on Flow Genome Project's Facebook page 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 Twitter - my handle is @SciTriat.

Dec 4, 2017 • 52min
The Triathlete's Strength Training Formula | EP#81
This is the ultimate guide to strength training for triathletes. I explain the why, how, when and any other questions you can think of related to strength training for triathletes. One thing is clear - strength training, when done right, has massive benefits for triathletes. This guide will teach you how to get it right. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: Triathlon, running, and cycling performance benefits from strength training What type of strength training to do - heavy-weight, low-weight, explosive, or plyometrics? What order to do strength and endurance training in An example strength training program (the Mikael Eriksson Formula) How to plan you're training so you don't get interference effects between strength training and endurance training SHOWNOTES: 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 THATTRIATHLONSHOW for 15% off any products. Ventum - The ultimate triathlon bikes, using technology from fighter jets and Formula One race cars. Easier to build, pack, and travel with than any other tri bike. Get 110% of the value of your old bike towards the purchase of a new Ventum bike. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Science Triathlon Conference 2015 - 03 Inigo Mujika Eng Paavolainen 1999 - Explosive-strength training improves 5-km running time by improving running economy and muscle power Saunders 2006 - Short-term plyometric training improves running economy in highly trained middle and long distance runners. Berryman 2010 - Effect of plyometric vs. dynamic weight training on the energy cost of running. Barnes 2015 - Strategies to improve running economy Paton 2005 - Combining explosive and high-resistance training improves performance in competitive cyclists. Aagaard 2011 - Effects of resistance training on endurance capacity and muscle fiber composition in young top-level cyclists. Ronnestad 2011 - Strength training improves 5-min all-out performance following 185 min of cycling. Ronnestad 2015 - Strength training improves performance and pedaling characteristics in elite cyclists. Millet 2002 - Effects of concurrent endurance and strength training on running economy and .VO(2) kinetics. Hausswirth 2010 - Endurance and strength training effects on physiological and muscular parameters during prolonged cycling Docherty 2000 - A proposed model for examining the interference phenomenon between concurrent aerobic and strength training. Garcia-Pallares 2012 - Strategies to Optimize Concurrent Training of Strength and Aerobic Fitness for Rowing and Canoeing Denadai 2017 - Explosive Training and Heavy Weight Training are Effective for Improving Running Economy in Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Berryman 2017 - Strength Training for Middle- and Long-Distance Performance: A Meta-Analysis 2016 - Effects of Strength Training on Running Economy in Highly Trained Runners: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials Murlasits 2017 - The physiological effects of concurrent strength and endurance training sequence: A systematic review and meta-analysis Ronnestad 2013 - Optimizing strength training for running and cycling endurance performance: A review Vikmoen 2017 - Heavy strength training improves running and cycling performance following prolonged submaximal work in well‐trained female athletes Mikkola 2011 - Effect of resistance training regimens on treadmill running and neuromuscular performance in recreational endurance runners Yamamoto 2010 - The effects of resistance training on road cycling performance among highly trained cyclists: a systematic review. Building a plyometrics program for distance runners One Rep MAX (1RM calculator) 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 Twitter - my handle is @SciTriat.

Nov 30, 2017 • 45min
Running Science with John Brewer | EP#80
Professor John Brewer, author of "Running Science", discusses some of the most commonly discussed topics in running and what science has shown to be true (and not) about them. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: Running form and technique The "best" way to train - intensity and volume distributions How body weight impacts running performance How age impacts running performance Recovery requirements from different kinds of runs SHOWNOTES: 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 THATTRIATHLONSHOW for 15% off any products. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Run Smart - book by John Brewer Running Science - book by John Brewer John's Twitter profile Masters Athletes: How to minimize the performance decline for aging triathletes | EP#20 Race-day warm-up | EP#35 Cool-downs - are they necessary? | EP#36 Why sodium is crucial to your performance. 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 Twitter - my handle is @SciTriat.

Nov 27, 2017 • 38min
To lab test or not to lab test with Alan Couzens | EP#79
Have you considered getting a lactate test or respiratory test in an exercise physiology lab? Or maybe you already did the test but don't know what to do with the results? Alan Couzens, M.Sc., sheds light on all things lab testing for triathletes. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: Different kinds of lab tests and what you get from them Who should consider doing a lab test? Are they worth the investment? How do lab tests compare to classic time trial field test like a 20-minute Functional Threshold Power test? How do you use training zones based on lab tests? How you can get and use your fat metabolism results, and how critical this result is SHOWNOTES: 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 THATTRIATHLONSHOW for 15% off any products. Ventum - The ultimate triathlon bikes, using technology from fighter jets and Formula One race cars. Easier to build, pack, and travel with than any other tri bike. Get 110% of the value of your old bike towards the purchase of a new Ventum bike. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Alan's blog Alan's Twitter account VO2 testing for Long Course Triathletes Time for a lactate test? Getting your 'fat burning' tested Part 1: Equipment and protocol Getting your 'fat burning' tested: Part 2: Analyzing and interpreting your results. https://www.precisionhydration.com/blogs/hydration_advice/how-to-get-rid-of-leg-cramp-why-do-i-suffer-from-cramp 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 Twitter - my handle is @SciTriat.

Nov 23, 2017 • 28min
Q&A: Recovery frequency, LCHF or The Core Diet, Polarised Training, and Indoor Bike Trainers | EP#78
Listener questions and answers. I answer some of the triathlon questions you have been sending in over the last couple of months. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: How to structure in recovery in your training plan Polarised training LCHF (as taught by past guest Tim Noakes) or the Core Diet (as taught by past guest Jesse Kropelnicki)? Swim training: what to do when my pool is far away? And how to practise technique and drills? Which indoor bike trainer and trainer software should I get? SHOWNOTES: 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 THATTRIATHLONSHOW for 15% off any products. LINKS AND RESOURCES: The Scientific Triathlon Core Training Program on www.scientifictriathlon.com (just scroll down a bit) Dysfunctional movement patterns, injuries and reduced performance with James Dunne | EP#45 3 foundational elements that will make you swim faster with Gerry Rodrigues | EP#3 Fitness and Technique in Triathlon Swimming with Rory Buck | EP#70 12 Swimming Drills and 3 Expert Coaches' Opinions of Them | EP#69 Race-day fueling and The Core Diet with Jesse Kropelnicki | EP#40 Low-carb high-fat (LCHF) for endurance sports with professor Tim Noakes Polarized training for triathlon - on the Scientific Triathlon blog Joe Friel's advice for improving training structure and periodize your way to success | EP#1 The Pillars of Performance with elite coach Matt Dixon | EP#13 Balancing a Big Life with Big Performance - Matt Dixon | EP#60 Structured, power-based cycling training with Chad Timmerman | EP#38 STAC Zero - The world's quietest bike trainer Annual Winter 2017-2018 Bike Trainer Recommendations - on DC Rainmaker 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 Twitter - my handle is @SciTriat.

Nov 20, 2017 • 36min
Bike Performance Makeover with Matt Bottrill | EP#77
How do you create a plan for significant bike improvement? What's the planning process like, what specific training elements do you need, and how important is aerodynamics and bike position? Matt Bottrill, legendary time trialist and successful coach shares his thoughts on these questions. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: The steps Matt took when coaching Tim Don to the fastest Ironman in history How you can mimic that same process using the following steps: initial assessments, action plan, execution and monitoring The key aspects of being aerodynamic and still producing power Matt's top-3 bike training tips for age-group triathletes SHOWNOTES: 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 THATTRIATHLONSHOW for 15% off any products. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Matt Bottrill Performance Coaching Cycling Science and Myth Busting part 1 with Stephen Cheung | EP#74 Cycling Science and Myth Busting part 2 with Stephen Cheung | EP#74 Aerodynamics mastery and free speed on the bike with Nuno Prazeres | EP#25 How to shave 14 minutes off your Ironman bike split with Jon and Chris Thornham | EP#31 Virtual Wind Tunnel with Andrew Buckrell and Michael Liberzon | EP#47 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 Twitter - my handle is @SciTriat.

Nov 16, 2017 • 40min
Kona qualification: what it takes (in hard numbers) with Russell Cox | EP#76
What does it take to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona? Coach Russell Cox has put together detailed Kona qualifying statistics to help answer that question in actual numbers and race times. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: How qualifying slots are allocated between races General trends in how the competitiveness of qualifying is changing Are there easier and more difficult races to qualify at? Results required to qualify in some example age groups Results required to win, place in the top-20, and median times at the World Championships themselves if you manage to get there. SHOWNOTES: 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 THATTRIATHLONSHOW for 15% off any products. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Russell's website 2017 Kona Qualification In Numbers Ironman World Championship 2017: Age Group Results 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 Twitter - my handle is @SciTriat.

Nov 13, 2017 • 44min
Cycling Science and Myth Busting part 2 with Stephen Cheung | EP#75
Part two of the interview with Stephen Cheung, PhD, co-editor of "Cycling Science". Stephen discusses key cycling questions and what we know and don't know about them from an evidence-based standpoint, while still making it understandable and actionable. He might even bust some myths. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: (The science of) Pedaling technique (The science of) Cadence (The science of) Pacing (The science of) Strength training and cycling SHOWNOTES: 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 THATTRIATHLONSHOW for 15% off any products. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Advanced Environmental Exercise Physiology Cutting Edge Cycling Cycling Science PEZ Cycling News Toolbox Stephen appointed as Baron Biosystems Chief Sports Scientist 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 Twitter - my handle is @SciTriat.

Nov 9, 2017 • 40min
Cycling Science and Myth Busting part 1 with Stephen Cheung | EP#74
Stephen Cheung, PhD, is the co-editor of the newly released book "Cycling Science". He discusses key cycling questions and what we know and don't know about them from an evidence-based standpoint, while still making it understandable and actionable. He might even bust some myths. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: (The science of) Cycling body types (The science of) Bike fitting (The science of) Aerodynamics (The science of) Rolling resistance SHOWNOTES: 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 THATTRIATHLONSHOW for 15% off any products. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Advanced Environmental Exercise Physiology Cutting Edge Cycling Cycling Science PEZ Cycling News Toolbox Stephen appointed as Baron Biosystems Chief Sports Scientist How to minimise alcohol's effects on your waistline - Precision Hydration blog 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? Contact me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Twitter - my handle is @SciTriat.