
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

Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 14min
Brendan Egan, PhD | EP#407
Brendan Egan, PhD, is Associate Professor at Dublin City University. One of the research topics he has investigated extensively is exogenous ketones and exercise performance, and this is also the topic of today's interview. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -The physiology of ketone bodies and ingestion of exogenous ketones -How and why elevated ketone levels through a ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone ingestion are not the same -Dosing protocols, and the important differences between ketone esters and ketone salts -How does exogenous ketone intake impact endurance performance? -How does exogenous ketone intake impact recovery-related outcomes? -Practical recommendations for athletes based on current evidence SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts407/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes perform at their best through their online tools, patented Sweat Test and range of electrolytes and fueling products. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner and receive a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake. If you want further help, book a free 20-minute video consultation to chat through your plan. Listen out for the code in today's show to get 15% off your first order of PF&H electrolytes and fueling products. If you missed the code, just email hello@pfandh.com. FORM Smart Swim Goggles give you unprecedented real-time feedback in your swim training through a display on the goggle lens. See every split to stay on pace, track your stroke rate and don't let it drop, use heart rate to become more scientific and precise with your training (through integration with Polar HR monitors) and analyse more in-depth metrics post-swim in the app. You can also use a vast library of workouts or training plans, or build your own guided workouts. Get 15% off the goggles with the code TTS15 on formswim.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Brendan's Research Gate profile Exogenous Ketone Supplements in Athletic Contexts: Past, Present, and Future - Evans et al. 2022 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.

6 snips
Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 27min
Lachlan Kerin and Mikael Eriksson on coaching | EP#406
Scientific Triathlon coaches, Lachlan Kerin and Mikael Eriksson, discuss the benefits of coaching, how to find the right coach, and misconceptions about coaching. They also explore the coach-athlete relationship, the future of coaching, and the limitations of AI in coaching. The podcast provides valuable insights into coaching and what to expect as an athlete.

15 snips
Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 1min
Stefan Sölkner | EP#405
Stefan Sölkner is a national team coach Austria's Elite and U23 men's cycling, and founder and coach at Ausdauerwerkstatt. In this episode we discuss cycling and training, in the context of both professional and amateur athletes. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Stefan's coaching methodology -Getting the basics right (sleep and nutrition) -How to select the right workouts based on race demands and athlete physiolology -How to manage training through the racing season, when races come thick and fast -Similarities and differences in training between pros and amateurs -Considerations for time-crunched amateur athletes -Stefan's top pieces of advice for amateur cyclists and triathletes SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts405/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: FORM Smart Swim Goggles give you unprecedented real-time feedback in your swim training through a display on the goggle lens. See every split to stay on pace, track your stroke rate and don't let it drop, use heart rate to become more scientific and precise with your training (through integration with Polar HR monitors) and analyse more in-depth metrics post-swim in the app. You can also use a vast library of workouts or training plans, or build your own guided workouts. Get 15% off the goggles with the code TTS15 on formswim.com/tts. ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a unique Dryland Swim Trainer that allows you to improve technique, power, and swim training consistency. With the trainer you can do specific power and technique work, including working on your catch and core activation, and it helps you stay consistent even if you don’t have much time to train. You can try the Zen8 risk-free for up to 30 days, and you can get 20% off your first order on zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Stefan's Twitter, Instagram and website Training Camp Mallorca 2024 Bent Rønnestad, PhD | EP#386 Muscle oxygen saturation and iliac artery flow limitation with Jem Arnold | EP#358 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.

Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 37min
James Moran | EP#404
James Moran is the head of nutrition at Uno-X Pro Cycling Team. He has previously worked for Ineos Grenadiers, British Cycling, the English Institute of Sport, and as a clinical dietitian. In this interview we dive deep into nutrition for endurance athletes in general, and in the pro peloton specifically. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Nutrition in training, racing, and in the day to day -Supporting health as the primary objective of nutrition -Increased carbohydrate intake to support training -Supplements and ergogenic aids -Gaining weight to improve performance -When and how the Uno-X cyclists focus on weight and body composition -Nutritional differences between triathlon and cycling -Advice for amateur endurance athletes SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts404/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes perform at their best through their online tools, patented Sweat Test and range of electrolytes and fueling products. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner and receive a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake. If you want further help, book a free 20-minute video consultation to chat through your plan. Listen out for the code in today's show to get 15% off your first order of PF&H electrolytes and fueling products. If you missed the code, just email hello@pfandh.com. FORM Smart Swim Goggles give you unprecedented real-time feedback in your swim training through a display on the goggle lens. See every split to stay on pace, track your stroke rate and don't let it drop, use heart rate to become more scientific and precise with your training (through integration with Polar HR monitors) and analyse more in-depth metrics post-swim in the app. You can also use a vast library of workouts or training plans, or build your own guided workouts. Get 15% off the goggles with the code TTS15 on formswim.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: James' Twitter Training Camp Mallorca 2024 Carbohydrates – science and practice with Tim Podlogar, PhD | EP#354 Training methods of Ethiopian runners with Michael Crawley | EP#275 Out of Thin Air: Running Wisdom and Magic from Above the Clouds in Ethiopia - book by Michael Crawley Sport Nutrition (3rd ed.) - textbook by Asker Jeukendrup and Michael Gleeson All previous nutrition-related episodes on That Triathlon Show Energy availability with José Areta, PhD | EP#378 The Performance Chef – Alan Murchison | EP#366 Nutrition and hydration data from Kona and 70.3 Worlds with Andy Blow | EP#365 Caffeine in racing – best practices with Andy Blow | EP#346 Carbohydrate intake in racing – a case for going very high with Aitor Viribay Morales (Astana Pro Team) | EP#269 Nutrition at the cycling World Tour level with Robert Gorgos (Bora-Hansgrohe nutritionist) | EP#267 Nutrition for endurance and ultra-endurance athletes with Trent Stellingwerff, PhD | EP#265 Glycogen metabolism and optimising glycogen resynthesis with Bob Murray, PhD | EP#252 Caffeine and Endurance Performance with Ajmol Ali, PhD | EP#234 RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports) with Margo Mountjoy | EP#233 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.

Aug 14, 2023 • 1h 11min
Richard Laidlow | EP#403
Richard Laidlow is a coach from the UK based in the south of France who has been involved in triathlon for more than three decades. He coaches both professional and age-group triathletes, notably his son Sam Laidlow (second in Kona 2022) and Ironman Lanzarote winner Arthur Horseau on the professional side. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -What's it like coaching your son? -A detailed breakdown of Sam Laidlow's training -The challenges of hydrating for a 3 l/h sweat rate -The importance of muscular endurance training for Sam -Richard's coaching philosophy -Strength training, testing, recovery patterns and more... -Advice for age-groupers on how to improve the swim, bike, and run components of their training -Advice for time-crunched athletes SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts403/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes perform at their best through their online tools, patented Sweat Test and range of electrolytes and fueling products. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner and receive a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake. If you want further help, book a free 20-minute video consultation to chat through your plan. Listen out for the code in today's show to get 15% off your first order of PF&H electrolytes and fueling products. If you missed the code, just email hello@pfandh.com. ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a unique Dryland Swim Trainer that allows you to improve technique, power, and swim training consistency. With the trainer you can do specific power and technique work, including working on your catch and core activation, and it helps you stay consistent even if you don’t have much time to train. You can try the Zen8 risk-free for up to 30 days, and you can get 20% off your first order on zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Richard's Instagram and website Lore of Running - Tim Noakes The Big Book of Endurance Training and Racing - Phil Maffetone 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.

Aug 7, 2023 • 1h 10min
Andrew Sheaff | EP#402
Andrew Sheaff is a swimming coach with 15 years of experience in coaching at the collegiate level in the United States. In order to improve the skill acquisition of his athletes and overcome some of the challenges of traditional coaching methods he has implemented a constraints-led approach to motor learning in his coaching practice. We discuss this topic in detail in today's interview. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -What is a constraints-led approach (CLA) to learning and how is it different from a traditional approach? -Task, individual and environmental constraints and how to use them -How the roles and responsibilities of coaches and swimmers change when going from a traditional to a constraints-led approach -Using a CLA in swim coaching to improve skills and fitness simultaneously -How the implementation of CLA changes based on athletes' ages, ability levels, swimmers vs. triathletes, etc. -Challenges of using the CLA in swim coaching -How an individual (e.g. podcast listener) can implement the CLA themselves to improve their swimming skills SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts402/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: FORM Smart Swim Goggles give you unprecedented real-time feedback in your swim training through a display on the goggle lens. See every split to stay on pace, track your stroke rate and don't let it drop, use heart rate to become more scientific and precise with your training (through integration with Polar HR monitors) and analyse more in-depth metrics post-swim in the app. You can also use a vast library of workouts or training plans, or build your own guided workouts. Get 15% off the goggles with the code TTS15 on formswim.com/tts. ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a unique Dryland Swim Trainer that allows you to improve technique, power, and swim training consistency. With the trainer you can do specific power and technique work, including working on your catch and core activation, and it helps you stay consistent even if you don’t have much time to train. You can try the Zen8 risk-free for up to 30 days, and you can get 20% off your first order on zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Andrew's website and Twitter A Constraints-Led Approach to Swim Coaching - Andrew's book The evolution of coaching principles and practices with David Tilbury-Davis | EP#283 The effectiveness of constraints-led training on skill development in interceptive sports: A systematic review - Clark et al. 2018 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.

Jul 31, 2023 • 1h 34min
Vasco Vilaça | EP#401
Vasco Vilaça is a short-course triathlete from Portugal. He is the current leader of the World Triathlon Championship Series, third-place finisher of the Super League Triathlon Championship Series 2022, and second-place finisher in the World Triathlon Championships (standalone sprint distance race) of 2020. In this interview we learn more about Vasco's training, his background, and goals for the future. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Vasco's training structure overall, and details about his swim, bike and run training -A detailed breakdown of a full week of training -How Vasco has improved his swimming -Spending important developmental years in Sweden -Training with the Joel Filliol squad -Goals for the rest of the season, for Paris 2024 and beyond SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts401/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes perform at their best through their online tools, patented Sweat Test and range of electrolytes and fueling products. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner and receive a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake. If you want further help, book a free 20-minute video consultation to chat through your plan. Listen out for the code in today's show to get 15% off your first order of PF&H electrolytes and fueling products. If you missed the code, just email hello@pfandh.com. FORM Smart Swim Goggles give you unprecedented real-time feedback in your swim training through a display on the goggle lens. See every split to stay on pace, track your stroke rate and don't let it drop, use heart rate to become more scientific and precise with your training (through integration with Polar HR monitors) and analyse more in-depth metrics post-swim in the app. You can also use a vast library of workouts or training plans, or build your own guided workouts. Get 15% off the goggles with the code TTS15 on formswim.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Vasco's Instagram, website, and race results (World Triathlon website) Sophie Coldwell | EP#395 Tamara Jewett | EP#391 Frederic Funk | EP#380 Developing the future stars of triathlon with coach Joachim Willén | EP#266 World Champions keep things simple: training masterclass with Joel Filliol | EP#172 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.

Jul 24, 2023 • 49min
Q&A on gear and technology | EP#400
Mikael answers listener questions on the topics of gear and technology. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Carbon fibre plated shoes and barefoot running shoes -Crank vs. pedal based power meter -Lactate testing -VO2master and Moxy (muscle oxygen saturation, SmO2) -Are triathletes too tech-reliant? -Wetsuits: fit and sizing, difference in prize points, are entry-level suits any good, and the process of finding the right wetsuit for you SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts400/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes perform at their best through their online tools, patented Sweat Test and range of electrolytes and fueling products. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner and receive a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake. If you want further help, book a free 20-minute video consultation to chat through your plan. Listen out for the code in today's show to get 15% off your first order of PF&H electrolytes and fueling products. If you missed the code, just email hello@pfandh.com. ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a unique Dryland Swim Trainer that allows you to improve technique, power, and swim training consistency. With the trainer you can do specific power and technique work, including working on your catch and core activation, and it helps you stay consistent even if you don’t have much time to train. You can try the Zen8 risk-free for up to 30 days, and you can get 20% off your first order on zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Exercise intensity domains and phase transitions: the power-duration relationship - Article by Dr. Mark Burnley Lactate threshold with Mark Burnley, PhD | EP#330 Does Lactate-Guided Threshold Interval Training within a High-Volume Low-Intensity Approach Represent the “Next Step” in the Evolution of Distance Running Training? - Casado et al. 2023 Maria Francesca Piacentini, PhD | EP#392 Muscle oxygen saturation and iliac artery flow limitation with Jem Arnold | EP#358 Muscle Oxygen Saturation (SmO2) with Roger Schmitz | EP#85 Physiology, testing and respiratory training with Andrew Sellars | EP#361 Q&A on racing and testing | EP#399 Q&A on run training (part 2) | EP#388 Q&A on run training (part 1) | EP#385 Q&A on bike training | EP#381 Q&A on swim training | EP#377 Q&A on season planning, goal setting, and personal limiters | EP#372 Q&A episode archive 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.

Jul 17, 2023 • 1h 18min
Q&A on racing and testing | EP#399
Mikael answers listener questions on the topics of racing and testing. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Bike position and breathing issues on the run leg of a triathlon -The biggest gains one can make during race week -When is it better to race by feel (without data) and vice versa -Recommended tests for different types of road cycling events -Testing protocol for comparing running shoes without a lab -Is Fatmax testing useful? -Doing road races (running) to get more "test" data -Swim testing for 70.3 and Ironman -How and why to test your Maximum Aerobic Power (MAP) SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts399/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: FORM Smart Swim Goggles give you unprecedented real-time feedback in your swim training through a display on the goggle lens. See every split to stay on pace, track your stroke rate and don't let it drop, use heart rate to become more scientific and precise with your training (through integration with Polar HR monitors) and analyse more in-depth metrics post-swim in the app. You can also use a vast library of workouts or training plans, or build your own guided workouts. Get 15% off the goggles with the code TTS15 on formswim.com/tts. ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a unique Dryland Swim Trainer that allows you to improve technique, power, and swim training consistency. With the trainer you can do specific power and technique work, including working on your catch and core activation, and it helps you stay consistent even if you don’t have much time to train. You can try the Zen8 risk-free for up to 30 days, and you can get 20% off your first order on zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Effect of Respiratory Muscle Training on Exercise Performance in Healthy Individuals A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - Illi et al. 2012 Limited Benefit of Fatmax-Test to Derive Training Prescriptions - Schwindling et al. 2013 Incremental exercise test design and analysis: implications for performance diagnostics in endurance athletes - Bentley et al. 2007 Peak power output predicts maximal oxygen uptake and performance time - Hawley & Noakes 1992 Carbohydrates – science and practice with Tim Podlogar, PhD | EP#354 Michele Zanini (part 1) | EP#393 What types of intervals are most effective? A scientific analysis with Michael Rosenblat | EP#243 Q&A on run training (part 2) | EP#388 Q&A on run training (part 1) | EP#385 Q&A on bike training | EP#381 Q&A on swim training | EP#377 Q&A on season planning, goal setting, and personal limiters | EP#372 Q&A episode archive 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.

74 snips
Jul 10, 2023 • 1h 17min
Gareth Sandford, PhD | EP#398
Gareth Sandford, PhD, is a physiologist at the Canadian Sports Institute Pacific with extensive experience in Olympic and professional sports. He dives into the intricacies of athlete profiling and the concept of Anaerobic Speed Reserve. Discover how tailored training can optimize performance for different athletes, the critical balance between intensity and endurance, and why too much high-intensity training can backfire. He also sheds light on the role of fast-twitch muscle fibers in marathon performance, providing insights that can elevate any triathlete's game.