Purple Patch Podcast

For those who are new to running, the training requirements for a marathon or other running events may seem intimidating or overwhelming. Alternatively, even experienced runners may face challenges with injuries related to race preparation. No matter where you are in your performance journey, there is an effective way to approach training for an endurance running event without overloading on hours and intensity, and risking your health and performance. In today's episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon aims to evolve your approach to running training using his innovative method designed to help you improve your speed, prevent injuries, and enhance overall performance in all aspects of your life, regardless of your level or experience. In his analysis of the typical training methods used by runners, Matt highlights the reasons why they often fail to meet their race goals. He proposes an alternative approach to marathon training that uses a prescriptive combination of strength training, running, and supporting multi-sport workouts to enhance overall fitness, endurance, and durability. Matt provides examples of this innovative and proven strategy that has helped countless Purple Patch runners and athletes optimize their training and racing. Adopting and applying the lessons from today may require some courage and a shift in your beliefs regarding how to prepare for running performance. However, if you have ever been afraid of the training process, prone to overuse injuries, or struggled to surpass performance plateaus, today's discussion will undoubtedly be beneficial for you. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 02:59 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 03:06 - 05:49 - Matt's News-ings 05:56 - 47:14 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 275: Run Ready - An Evolved Approach to Get Faster and Stay Injury Free in Running Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More More on the Purple Patch Run Squad More on Purple Patch Functional Strength Training Get a Free Taste of Purple Patch Strength Learn more about 1:1 Coaching Join the Purple Patch Team - Director of Growth and Business Operations The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Learn more about our Tri Squad Program Send us a message This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don't just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

Although endurance athletes typically focus on strength training during the off-season, it's important to recognize that strength and conditioning can benefit performance all year round. In this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon explains the value and significance of strength as a performance enhancer. He provides a framework for integrating strength into your training program and easy-to-use techniques for executing your workouts almost anywhere. Whether you're an athlete striving to cross the IRONMAN finish line, looking to boost your energy in the boardroom, or simply aiming to improve your overall health, strength & conditioning should be a key component of your training regimen. Matt breaks down the discussion on strength into three categories: sports performance, healthspan, and performance in work and daily life. Matt also provides details on how to access a free video-on-demand session from our functional strength training program. This is a great opportunity to experience a practical and dynamic strength training workout that you can easily incorporate into your program. If your goal is to show up faster, stronger, and healthier in all avenues of life, then integrating strength into your year-round program is imperative. Our hope is that the resources and methods Matt shares in this episode can help you jumpstart a strength program that works for you. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 04:05 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 04:12 - 08:08 - Matt's News-ings 08:16 - 42:35 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 274: Integrating Strength Training: A Practical Framework to Boost Your Health and Performance Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Get a Free Taste of Purple Patch Strength More on Purple Patch Functional Strength Training Learn more about 1:1 Coaching Join the Purple Patch Team - Director of Growth and Business Operations The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Learn more about our Tri Squad Program Send us a message This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don't just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

It's been 15 years since the start of the Purple Patch journey. While many elements of the Purple Patch program have evolved, and we continually seek to grow, improve and enhance our coaching, our central belief and approach to coaching have remained unchanged. We believe athletes of all levels can achieve optimal endurance performance by following a balanced training approach. Our methodology, based on four pillars of performance, is designed to provide a simple framework that helps athletes understand and commit to their athletic journey. The Purple Patch Pillars of Performance: Endurance Strength Nutrition and Fueling Recovery On this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon gives us a look at the methodology in action through 3 case studies that illustrate how the pillars are put to use and how they were able to deliver performance for athletes across genders, skill levels, and a range of goals. We look at these principles through the lens of a pro athlete building their sports career and recovering from injury, a time-starved executive pursuing lofty goals in sport and in the office, and a busy executive reaping the rewards of a strong platform of health. The four pillars drive our long-term success with the Purple Patch Pro Squad and our approach with C-Suite executives and leadership teams. These pillars guide time-starved athletes to thrive in both sport and life and help develop a predictable and sustainable high performance for those in demanding work roles. They are the backbone of our success. The aim of this episode is to help you apply many of the practices and lessons of our methodology to your own journey, to create more purple patches in your life. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 03:26 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 03:33 - 06:52 - Matt's News-ings 06:59 - 01:04:35 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 273: The Four Pillars of Performance - Case Studies of Purple Patch Methodology in Action Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn more about 1:1 Coaching Free Webinar - Hard and Hilly Join the Purple Patch Team - Director of Growth and Business Operations The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Learn more about our Tri Squad Program Send us a message This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don't just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

At the beginning of the year, we took some time to reflect, plan for the future and set Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs). Now, we have reached the halfway point of the year. Most of you hit the ground running with ambitions and lofty goals, but how did they pan out? Are you nailing your goals? Are you thriving in your performance journey? Is it fulfilling? Where can you improve or shift your approach? It is essential to come up for air midway through the season and execute some big-picture thinking about the work you have been putting in, the purpose of it, and where you want it to take you. On this week's episode of The Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon presents a framework to help you evaluate your progress and performance over the past six months to set yourself up for a strong finish to the year. Matt lays out a process for identifying the areas within your control where you have excelled, the lessons you have learned, and opportunities for improvement, to help you develop a plan of action to enhance future performance. Matt's framework centers on three questions that all athletes should consider asking themselves. Do you only have a destination or do you have a path? Is your current approach or program integrated into life? Am I getting athletically smarter? This episode is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the purpose of your athletic journey and strip down the elements of your process to determine what works, what doesn't, and what you plan to do about it. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 04:34 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 04:41 - 06:42 - Matt's News-ings 06:50 - 35:45 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 272: 3 Key Strategies To Help Optimize Your Performance for the Rest of the Year Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn more about 1:1 Coaching Free Webinar - Hard and Hilly Join the Purple Patch Team - Director of Growth and Business Operations The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Learn more about our Tri Squad Program Send us a message This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don't just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

With race season in full swing, we've received a flood of requests asking us to tackle the topic of race-day fueling and hydration. So this week on the Purple Patch Podcast we are doing a special Episode Rewind. We are bringing back a timely conversation with renowned Sports Scientist and CEO of Precision Fuel and Hydration, Andy Blow. We pulled an episode out of the archives to help you fine-tune your fueling and hydration strategy. EP. 162 - Your Guide to Race Day Fueling and Hydration with Andy Blow of Precision Hydration Matt and Andy identify and explain the three levers of race fueling: Fluids (water) Electrolytes Calories/carbohydrates They then outline your race day fueling prescription depending on race intensity, distance, and race conditions. Andy's biggest piece of advice: "Don't look over the fence. There are always good reasons why you shouldn't follow the herd when it comes to YOUR fueling strategy." - Andy Blow You'll receive expert guidance and recommendations around: Meal Planning - what to eat and what to avoid during race week, the day before, and the morning of your event Fueling and suggested approaches during each discipline of the triathlon, including T1, the bike, and the run Knowing your nutrition and hydration ranges and what conditions can affect those numbers This discussion takes the complexity out of the 'fourth discipline' of triathlon that so often overwhelms and confuses athletes. This is your year of performance. Don't let hydration and fueling hold you back! Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 03:45 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 04:01 - 07:42 - Word of the Week 07:48 - 01:03:48 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 271: Episode Rewind - Your Guide to Race Day Fueling and Hydration with Andy Blow of Precision Hydration Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Precision Hydration Sweat Testing at the Purple Patch Center How to measure your sweat rate to improve your hydration strategy Learn more about 1:1 Coaching Free Webinar - Hard and Hilly Join the Purple Patch Team - Director of Growth and Business Operations The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Learn more about our Tri Squad Program Send us a message This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don't just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

Are you showing up to your event in the best mental space possible? You may have checked all the boxes in your training program and set yourself up to arrive at your event ready to allow trained potential to translate to race-day performance, but setting up the right mindset is one part of the performance readiness equation that is often ignored or misunderstood by athletes and coaches. In this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon shares his secret to supercharging your mental game so that you arrive physiologically fresh and mentally prepared on race day. Most coaches and athletes jump to pre-event preparation with a heavy emphasis on training and physical readiness, which can sometimes reinforce performance anxiety. Instead, Matt offers a path to developing belief and confidence in your approach by focusing on areas within an athlete's control on a day-to-day basis and reinforcement strategies for framing and processing your post-training and race-day performance. Matt lays out a strategy to help you identify what you should be applying your daily focus to, how to process your thoughts on your progress and performance in real-time, and in a healthy and productive way, and actionable strategies to build your performance. This episode provides solutions for empowerment and building appropriate behaviors to help put you in control of what you focus on in order to improve resilience, consistency, and, most importantly, confidence. "You don't have complete control over what your body gives you on any given day. But you are in control of where you place your focus, and how you think about things. What did you do well today? Start with that. What were the lessons that the day gave you? And what are you going to do with those lessons? This is a path to improvement." Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 04:19 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 04:27 - 41:02 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 270: Building the Mental Game in Sport - The Practice of Daily Reinforcement Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn more about 1:1 Coaching Free Webinar - Hard and Hilly Join the Purple Patch Team - Director of Growth and Business Operations The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Learn more about our Tri Squad Program Send us a message This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don't just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

In this week's episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, Ironman Master Coach Matt Dixon takes a closer look at youth sports and the development of young athletes. With his experience as a parent, as well as a coach to world-class professional endurance athletes, executives, and amateurs alike for over 15 years, and using his own background in competitive swimming and triathlons, Matt examines the importance of sports for social and physical development in kids and examines the role parents and coaches play in helping to create meaningful experiences. "This is sport. The journey of becoming. That is much more powerful and more important than the outcomes." - Matt Dixon Matt maps out the discussion in a way that applies not only to parents, coaches, and young athletes but also to adult athletes looking to draw insights for their own development journey. This episode covers the role of sports for kids ages 8 to 18 and suggests a healthy route for developing an athletic foundation. It also provides insight into how we can assist our young athletes in moving beyond outcomes or results, to help them develop athletically, while also establishing essential values and character traits that will last well beyond their playing days. "The sporting journey can be a crucible from which we can apply so many of the experiences into almost anything that we do in the rest of our lives. And that becomes really powerful." - Matt Dixon There are trends and challenges in youth sports that interfere with the positive lessons and experiences that organized sports have to offer. From parents who put too much pressure on their kids, to coaches who prioritize winning over development, these issues can create an environment where young athletes don't reach their full potential or lose their love of the game altogether. Matt examines some of the most common problems in youth sports today and offers suggestions on how they can be addressed. For parents and coaches looking to create an environment where young athletes can excel both on the field and off of it, Matt proposes certain habits they should foster to develop a performance culture and encourage a positive athletic journey. "Remember that you are tasked with building an athlete. And in order to do that, you need to ensure that they have passion, they fall in love, they have a strong structure, a really varied skill set, that then when things are important to get focused, they are best equipped and they are fresh mentally. And so you are building an athlete well ahead of developing a runner, developing a swimmer, turning a baseball player into a pitcher." - Matt Dixon Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 07:39 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 07:46 - 11:36 - Matt's Newsings 11:44 - 01:17:53 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 269: Developing Youth in Sport: Observations and Opportunities for Improvement Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn more about 1:1 Coaching PODCAST - Episode 47: Child's Play - FUNdamental Lessons from Youth Development in Sport PODCAST - Episode 95: Youth Development in Sport - Performance Anxiety, Specialization, and the Journey Free Webinar - Hard and Hilly Join the Purple Patch Team - Director of Growth and Business Operations The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Learn more about our Tri Squad Program Send us a message This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don't just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

This discussion dives into the tough realities athletes face while racing in sweltering heat and humidity. It highlights how our bodies respond physiologically to extreme conditions, emphasizing the importance of fitness and recovery. Strategies for effective hydration and heat acclimatization are shared to ensure optimal performance. The conversation also encourages a joyful approach to life and the value of community engagement in overcoming challenges. Prepare to tackle those hot race days with fresh insights and practical tips!

In this week's episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, we focus on athletes like you. Ironman Master coach Matt Dixon puts a spotlight on four case studies anchored in performance. Matt breaks down the lessons we can learn from those who have excelled in their performance journey as well as those who were less fortunate and serve as cautionary tales about the pitfalls on the way to improved performance. All of the case studies are real athletes that either Purple Patch or Matt has trained. We look at the training process through the lens of a former rugby player reigniting his fire for fitness by finishing marathons and committing to his performance journey. This is a great story of integration of sport into your life, not just to develop a pride and satisfaction from the outcome, but about becoming a better version of yourself. And having the rewards be the journey itself throughout the daily routine. - Matt Dixon We also delve into the athletic mindset by following the mini-victories of an athlete emerging from massive injury to achieve great personal success. Through the stories of an athlete with aspirations of going pro, suffering from a lack of patience for the process, and a committed triathlete falling into performance decline, Matt illustrates some of the common elements that can derail a performance journey and ultimately steal joy away from the sport. There's no shortcut. There's no easy way. It takes patience, it takes commitment and it takes developing your strengths and your race craft so that when you step up -- it is still always going to be a huge seismic step up to be pro -- but you can be ready emotionally, physically, and from a race craft standpoint. And that takes real guidance, structure, and long-term planning. - Matt Dixon All four stories, from the negative to the inspiring, provide perspective on the coaching process and how to focus on building performance, rather than focusing on outcomes so that you can become the person and athlete you want to be. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 04:15 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 04:23 - 52:23 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 267: Case Studies - Performance Successes and Cautionary Tales Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Free Webinar - Hard and Hilly Free Webinar - Maximize Your 70.3 or IRONMAN Performance as a Time-Starved Athlete The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit If you have any questions or want to learn more about leveraging Purple Patch in your performance journey, reach out to us by clicking the links below. Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Learn more about our Tri Squad Program Join Tri-Squad Send us a message Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Free Webinar - Maximize Your 70.3 or IRONMAN Performance as a Time-Starved Athlete The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Coaching Consultation This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don't just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

Whether it's the boost of our morning espresso or the common drowsiness that sets in after lunch, we all experience bumps and slumps in our daily energy levels. Our vitality over the course of the day can sometimes be a rollercoaster. For some of us, that erratic ride has become a daily routine and an obstacle that limits our potential for performance. However, there are ways to rewire that routine to unlock predictable and stable energy sources that keep you active and present throughout the day. In this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon focuses his coach's lens on energy management to help build the best platform for kicking off your training or tackling any of life's endeavors. We walk through a daily routine with actionable tips you can implement every day to promote improved energy levels and increased cognitive function. From the positive impact of sunlight in the morning to the detrimental effects of blue light before bed, Matt uses proven habits and coaching experience to help you boost your daily performance, whether you are on a bike seat or in the boardroom. Of course, everything in this episode is a supplement to a good training program, positive eating habits, and proper sleep hygiene, but a foundation of solid energy management can help you tap into improved stamina, heighten your focus, and can increase your capacity for taking on all of the challenges along your performance journey. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 03:28 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 03:35 - 06:21 - Matt's News-ings 06:36 - 08:37 - Word of the Week 08:44 - 32:59 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 266: Simple Habits to Help Boost Your Daily Performance Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Free Webinar - Maximize Your 70.3 or IRONMAN Performance as a Time-Starved Athlete Free Webinar - Hard and Hilly More on Precision Fuel & Hydration The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit If you have any questions or want to learn more about leveraging Purple Patch in your performance journey, reach out to us by clicking the links below. Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Learn more about our Tri Squad Program Join Tri-Squad Send us a message Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Free Webinar - Maximize Your 70.3 or IRONMAN Performance as a Time-Starved Athlete The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Coaching Consultation This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don't just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events