Purple Patch Podcast

Welcome to the 8th and final day of our Haute Route Alps coverage as Matt and the Drunken Donkeys cross the finish line in Megève. Matt gives us a look at the team’s last day of riding as the 7-day journey comes to a close. With one last 148km push through the Haute-Savoie, Matt and the gang make their way through the Col de l’Epine, Col de la Croix Fry, and Col des Aravis. We hear from the team after the day's climb, and Matt looks at what's to come as we round off our coverage of the Haute Route Alps.  Episode Timestamps Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn More About The Haute Route Learn More About Precision Fuel and Hydration FREE Live Webinar - Free Speed Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp Training Camp - 2023 Kona Triathlon Camp Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch and Episode Resources 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

Welcome to day 7 of our Haute Route coverage. Today, the team takes on THE CLASSICS. Stage 6, the riders are headed for another climb of almost 4,000 meters as they traverse the switchbacks of the Col du Tra, before facing the Cormet de Roselend.  Matt couldn't resist and found his best ride of the course, Panos returns, Christopher attempts to add to his recent success, and Rob impresses everyone with his steady and sound performance.  Make also makes a friend along the way and enjoys some beautiful views as the Haute Route experience heads into its final day with Stage 7.  Be sure to check out our daily video breakdown of the day, every day, and follow us on all of our social media platforms for coverage of Matt's Journey. We'll have plenty of insights and observations from Matt along the way. Episode Timestamps Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn More About The Haute Route Learn More About Precision Fuel and Hydration FREE Live Webinar - Free Speed Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp Training Camp - 2023 Kona Triathlon Camp Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch and Episode Resources 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

Welcome to day 6 of our Haute Route coverage. Today, it’s Matt and the Drunken Donkeys vs time. The team faces Stage 5, LOVE OR LOATHE LA LOZE, which hosts the time trial portion of the course, along with a 10km climb from Méribel to Col de la Loze. With a good start, the team takes on the inclines while taking in the natural beauty of the course. Matt faces a crossroads with only two stages left until Megève as Chris matches his intensity in Stage 4. With the end in reach, the riders look ahead to stage 6, which promises stunning views and challenging switchbacks. Be sure to check out our daily video breakdown of the day, every day, and follow us on all of our social media platforms for coverage of Matt's Journey. We'll have plenty of insights and observations from Matt along the way.   Episode Timestamps Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn More About The Haute Route FREE Live Webinar - Free Speed Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp Training Camp - 2023 Kona Triathlon Camp Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch and Episode Resources 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 the end in reach, the riders look ahead to stage 6, which promises stunning views and challenging switchbacks. Be sure to check out our daily video breakdown of the day, every day, and follow us on all of our social media platforms for coverage of Matt's Journey. We'll have plenty of insights and observations from Matt along the way.

Welcome to day 5 of our Haute Route coverage as Matt and his Team round the corner at the halfway mark of the 7-day journey from Nice to Megève. Stage 4, titled ON YOUR TOES, features a steep 1300m+ climb up the Col du Glandon followed by a challenging ascent up the Col de la Madeleine. Martin returns to the fold rejuvenated and Chris's youth helped him find a new gear as the entire team starts to feel the wear of four days on the saddle. Matt provides a look at the steep challenges of the day and what we can expect as the team prepares to take on the time trial in Stage 5. Be sure to check out our daily video breakdown of the day, every day, and follow us on all of our social media platforms for coverage of Matt's Journey. We'll have plenty of insights and observations from Matt along the way. Episode Timestamps Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn More About The Haute Route FREE Live Webinar - Free Speed Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp Training Camp - 2023 Kona Triathlon Camp Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch and Episode Resources 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

Welcome to day four of our Haute Route coverage as Matt and his Team push forward on stage 3 of the 7-day journey from Nice to Megève. Stage 3, titled ALL FOR THE VIEWS, promised the picturesque landscape of the Écrins mountains and it most definitely delivered, but Matt suffers a minor setback along the way and has to adapt mid-climb. Matt gives us a look at the challenges of the day, the status of his teammates, a nice surprise from Stage 2, and what to expect as they move on to Stage 4. Be sure to check out our daily video breakdown of the day, every day, and follow us on all of our social media platforms for coverage of Matt's Journey. We'll have plenty of insights and observations from Matt along the way. Episode Timestamps Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn More About The Haute Route FREE Live Webinar - Free Speed Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp Training Camp - 2023 Kona Triathlon Camp Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch and Episode Resources 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

Welcome to day three of our Haute Route coverage as Matt and his Team take off on stage 2 of the 7-day journey from Nice to Megève. The Drunken Donkeys face a sobering set of climbs in the stage known as the Two Giants. In a tour of Le Tour, so to speak, the team faces the Col d’Agnel and the Col d’Izoard, both of which have held prominent roles in Tour de France. Matt provides an update on the challenge of the day, the status of his teammates, and what to expect moving forward. Be sure to check out our daily video breakdown of the day, every day, and follow us on all of our social media platforms for coverage of Matt's Journey. We'll have plenty of insights and observations from Matt along the way. Episode Timestamps Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn More About The Haute Route FREE Live Webinar - Free Speed Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp Training Camp - 2023 Kona Triathlon Camp Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch and Episode Resources 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

Welcome to day zero of our Haute Route coverage. The day before the excitement begins with stage 1 tomorrow. This is our first daily report and official kick-off show. Matt and his team are assembled and ready to ride. In this first preview of the Haute Route Alps, Matt introduces us to the gang and sets the scene for things to come. Be sure to check out our daily video breakdown of the day, every day, and follow us on all of our social media platforms for coverage of Matt's Journey. We'll have plenty of insights and observations from Matt along the way. Episode Timestamps Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn More About The Haute Route FREE Live Webinar - Free Speed Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp Training Camp - 2023 Kona Triathlon Camp Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch and Episode Resources 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

We have a special abbreviated podcast this week as Matt prepares for his journey to tackle the Haute Route Alps. In this episode, Matt provides a quick look at our daily coverage of his progress through the Haute Route and what we can expect. Beginning August 20th, Matt will provide daily field reports sharing his observations and insights as he and his two brothers navigate 7 days of some of the toughest cycling in the world. Matt will bring us coverage from the road as he makes his way across 800 kilometers, and more than 70,000 feet of climbing through the heart of the alps. Brief daily reports will highlight his challenges and choices around fueling, hydration, pacing, and overcoming adversity, along with all the lessons gleaned from a multi-day event. We encourage you to follow along on our social media platforms. Videos will be posted daily on Youtube, but you can keep up with the adventure on Facebook and Instagram as he relays photos and stories along the way. Episode Timestamps 0:00 - Special Edition: Racing the Haute Route Alps - Coverage Preview Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn More About The Haute Route FREE Live Webinar - Free Speed Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp Training Camp - 2023 Kona Triathlon Camp Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch and Episode Resources 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 episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, Ironman Master Coach Matt Dixon frames his preparation and training path as he sets his sights on the Haute Route Alps, a 7-day cycling challenge through the heart of the Alps. The Haute Route Alps is thought of as one of the toughest endurance cycling events in the world and is the original version of the Haute Route Series of events now spanning the globe. Matt and his team, consisting of his two brothers and a group of friends, will traverse some of the most challenging uphill climbs in cycling. (47:16) "We have eight folks, all time-starved, all middle-aged men...that are going to do this thing on a very similar program." The course spans from Nice, in the Côte d'Azur, to Megève, in the Mont Blanc massif and features 6 mountain stages of the Tour de France along with a hill-based time trial. With the Haute Route only weeks away, Matt outlines his approach to the event, giving us a classic example of a time-starved athlete balancing training for a major challenge and the demands of life. (21:51) “The truth is that when I looked at my priorities around family and Purple Patch, I didn't really have capacity to train for this event, at least in the way that I would if I didn't have those responsibilities. And so what I've had to do is think outside of the box, I've had to apply much of the Purple Patch methodology to myself. And I had to maintain throughout the journey, this within context, my priority number one, family. Number two, Purple Patch, and then the Haute Route." Matt also provides an overview of what we can expect along the way as he documents the experience here on the Purple Patch Podcast from August 20th through the 27th. In this episode Matt will cover: (10:16) The Haute Route Alps: Course Profile and stage descriptions. (17:20) A Preview of our coverage and daily field reports. (23:41) The profile of a time-starved athlete: Matt’s training approach. (40:16) An overview of Matt’s daily nutrition, hydration, and fueling. This episode not only previews Matt’s pursuit of a personal goal as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, but it also highlights the distinct challenges of a multi-day event and offers individual lessons on the layers of preparation and performance in broader sport and life. Episode Timestamps 0:00 - 03:03 Welcome and Episode Introduction 3:10 - 06:49 Matt's News-ings 6:55 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 231: Matt’s Journey to The Haute Route Alps: A case study of a challenge for a multi-day bike race Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp Training Camp - 2023 Kona Triathlon Camp Learn More About The Haute Route Learn More About Precision Fuel and Hydration Purple Patch Coaching Consultation The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch and Episode Resources 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

Whether you’re an amateur or a professional athlete, there is no greater source of frustration than repeated cycles of niggles and injuries. It can derail your progression, dismantle race performance, erode confidence, and dilute your motivation. While there are myriad reasons for various kinds of injuries, the good news is that most can be preventable, and manageable by adopting practical habits and tactics. In the first episode of our three-part series on injury management and prevention, Matt shares his observations on patterns, common themes, and mistakes made by athletes and coaches that often lead to injury and the strategies that you should take as an endurance athlete or fitness enthusiast to lower your risk and occurrence of injury. Matt’s 5 Keys to Injury prevention: Fueling post-workout - Using nutrition to recuperate and recharge. (18:10) “It promotes tissue rebuilding and repair...it facilitates adaptations...it's going to fuel your brain for your energy levels throughout the day...so that you can have better clarity, decision-making, focus, etc." Keep the easy, easy - Leveraging low-intensity sessions. (20:29) “If you go too strong in the sessions that are designed specifically to be easy, which by the way, tends to be a high portion of your total training hours. And then you are directly removing the body's ability to adapt, you are throughout, with no intent, increasing total training load. And what happens in this situation is the scales tilt, and the net result of that tends to be your tissue health declines, you get injured." Incorporating multiple sports - Introducing variance to your training (24:10)“The truth is that the body likes variance. And I cannot think of an amateur athlete who wouldn't benefit...from mixing up their primary sport and ambition with other supportive disciplines.” Supplement with smart strength training - Strength is part of the plan, not the heart of it. (27:51)“Just because you follow a strength and conditioning program does not mean that your injury risk is less. It's critical. It's important. It's a part of the recipe, but it isn't the recipe." Removing intensity - Knowing when to throttle back (33:14)"But the fact still remains that so many injuries emerge from a place where an athlete ultimately intuitively at their core, know that things are not right. There is deep fatigue, whether it's muscular or systemic. And if the athlete had just paused, gained a little perspective, seeing the bigger picture and then made a decision to push or back off, it would be so valuable." The goal of this episode is to help you identify any counterproductive practices that may be leaving you exposed to injury and replace them with habits that reduce your chances of injury, create greater consistency and ultimately improve performance. Episode Timestamps 0:02 - 08:28 Welcome and Episode Introduction 8:34 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 230 Breaking the Injury Cycle: 5 Keys to Prevention and Lowering Risk Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Learn More About Scott Tindal and FuelIn Sports Medicine Institute Services at The Purple Patch Center Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch and Episode Resources 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