Purple Patch Podcast

It was inevitable. After a full calendar of racing was canceled in 2020, we knew that 2021 was going to be the year of deferrals and stacked event calendars. And now, here we are in the midst of the training season for this upcoming cluster of races that all feel important to you. You did invest the money and emotional energy into these races, after all, and you rightfully expect a positive return. But, how do you plan to train for these clustered races? There are few off-the-shelf training plans that guide you through this scenario. The textbooks and magazines don't give you much solid perspective, and many coaches stumble and get confused. Unfortunately, as a result, many athletes pinball through the season, going back and forth to events, layering fatigue, and not performing their best at any of these events. The confusion stops now, thanks to Matt's Top 10 Tips for Success on Back-to-Back Racing, or the ol' Dirty Dixon Double. Learn how to go into each race feeling fit-n'-fresh ready to commit to a strong performance both physically and emotionally. Avoid arriving at your first race fatigued. Don't forget your supporting habits. In most cases, train for race one, then use THAT fitness to carry you through the races following. Cement a mantra in your mind: Recover -- Maintain -- Sharpen. Nail immediate recovery. Performance metrics are not useful between races, except to highlight fatigue. Maintain strength. Employ the BIG BANG TRICK. Commit to your performance in every race. If in doubt between the races, do less. Sounds simple, yes? We know you're anxious to dive into the details and encourage you to do so during the episode. We also encourage you to sign up for our upcoming webinars, including a deeper dive into Fall racing with Matt! Details are below. Episode Timestamps 1:55 Who the Bleeding Eck are you? Featuring Jesse Thomas 5:50 Squaddie Update featuring upcoming course previews and live sessions with Matt Dixon on Fall Racing 10:35 Word of the Week - Go for It 13:25 The Meat and Potatoes - Top Tops on Back-to-Back Races Episode and Purple Patch Resources May 11th, 5:00pm PST - IRONMAN Tulsa Course Overview -- REGISTER: Free Tulsa Course Overview May 11th, 5:00pm PST - IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga -- REGISTER: Free Chattanooga 70.3 Course Overview Get the inside scoop on these upcoming races from Purple Patch Head Coach, Matt Dixon. These are a must-attend, and always include time for open Q&A. May 25th, 5pm PST - Roadmap to Your Best IRONMAN This Fall and Open Q&A with Matt Dixon REGISTER: FREE Race Your Best IRONMAN This Fall Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy

Now that restrictions are lifting and we're emerging from the fog of Covid-19, you may be deciding to take on a challenge - to TRAIN for something. It's your time to embrace the journey and go on a charge to challenge yourself, to stay consistent, and to achieve big hairy audacious goals. Today, Matt strips it all down to the fundamentals, to reground you, reset the mindset, and course correct in case you have strayed. This episode is a timely and important reminder of how to find performance in your time-starved life, no matter if you're embarking on your first 5k, family rafting trip, hike across the Grand Canyon, European bike tour, or a journey through IRONMAN training. Successful training means understanding and implementing key ingredients of your recipe: How to Set Yourself Up for Success - being clear about your purpose, knowing where you are starting from, aligning your team of allies, and understanding how to integrate the training into your life without letting it dominate. How to Build Your Plan Around Effective Training - Training is, after all, a targeted and specific stress applied to the body, in which you can achieve POSITIVE adaptations. How do you go about doing this? How do you know when and how to apply the right type of stress? You have to understand how to layout your week and prioritize key training sessions. How to Work Your Plan Through Life's Chaos and Unpredictability. That is performance development in the context of life. Working these steps will not only help you achieve your performance goals, but complete them with vibrancy, consistency, and good health. It isn't about chasing outcomes, it is about NAILING THE JOURNEY. Episode and Purple Patch Resources May 11th, 5:00pm PST - IRONMAN Tulsa Course Overview -- REGISTER: Free Tulsa Course Overview May 11th, 5:00pm PST - IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga -- REGISTER: Free Chattanooga 70.3 Course Overview Get the inside scoop on these upcoming races from Purple Patch Head Coach, Matt Dixon. These are a must-attend, and always include time for open Q&A. May 25th, 5pm PST - Roadmap to Your Best IRONMAN This Fall and Open Q&A with Matt Dixon REGISTER: FREE Race Your Best IRONMAN This Fall Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music

Today, Matt provides his insight on successful race day execution. It is a Dixon deep dive into all of the elements to ensure you are able to meet your trained potential with race day performance. It is normal and common for you to feel a little anxiety, even fear, when you return to racing. You are rusty, it has been a while, and the event feels bigger because of the gap from the last race. Acknowledge and even embrace the feeling. Why? Because what you are feeling is NORMAL. It is your body priming, and your brain cannot answer the question as to whether you are ready to have a breakout performance. There is no need to suppress the feelings, or pretend they are not real, but you can decide how you interact and respond with these feelings. Remember this mantra: This won't define me. There's nothing to lose. Nail the basics. Celebrate the return. Once this mindset is established, you can then shift into race execution mode. Matt walks through each discipline and provides his insight on how to get organized, plan ahead, and work your plan including: Planning and packing ahead of the race to avoid unnecessary stress Making sure bike and equipment are secured and tested Smart pacing advice for the swim, bike, and run Remaining flexible to work the plan No matter what happens, on the day, never forget your mission: to get from the start line to the finish line as fast as possible across all three disciplines. You might face challenges, adversity, and obstacles, but if you remain on task and focused on the mission, no matter what happens, you can be proud. You can solve those challenges, grow from the experiences, and provide the greatest yield for what the day presents. Episode and Purple Patch Resources Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Purchase Matt's Latest Book, The Fast-Track Triathlete Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Learn more about Purple Patch Customized 1:1 Coaching Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music

The Purple Patch Podcast Triathlon Takeover strides towards the finish line this week where Matt takes you through all you need to know to help facilitate hitting your potential on the run - including shoe choice, nutrition, terrain, and even walking your way to your fastest run performance. It is a triathlete's guide to run success. You come out of T2 and all you need to do is run to the finish. What could go wrong? Well, apparently, a lot. The run is the most common discipline for your race to unravel. Across the three pieces of the triathlon puzzle, the run sees the greatest discrepancy between performance expectations and reality. Athletes struggle here and they don't need to. Today's show is all about optimizing your run performance. But before you reach for your flats and add more miles to your schedule, take heed. In order to reach your potential you must first understand two important things: Why is the run such a challenge in triathlon racing? It's presumably the simplest of the three disciplines, but often the one that poses the most threat to race performance. What are the many things that can go wrong in the run leg of a race? Many times athletes assume it's a simple lack of fitness, but this is rarely the case. There are plenty of reasons your run can be derailed and Matt unpacks each one. With this groundwork of understanding, Matt then delivers the steps to run greatness. A successful run off the bike is not mythical or magical. It doesn't require a carbon plate in your shoe. There isn't some secret sauce that drives you into the stratosphere, and it's rarely the result of digging yourself into more and more training. A successful run performance is mostly about - NAILING THE BASICS and avoiding the mistakes and causes that lead to the dismantling of performance potential in the first place. Commit to this mission and never let it go. If you do this, you will finish with deep pride and a chance to learn and grow. You will be able to stand tall and grow as an athlete and human and you will be an athlete that gets to say, "I nailed my run performance." Episode and Purple Patch Resources Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy

The Purple Patch Podcast Triathlon Takeover rolls on this week with an hour of power on all things related to bike performance and race-day execution. Optimum bike fit, posture, equipment, and pacing strategies are all covered in this episode that features two of the best in the industry, Ivan O'Gorman and Chris Soden of IOG Bike Fit and Consulting. As you'll hear, IOG's approach to consulting is informed by research, while their recommendations are driven by years of experience. Put simply - they will help you as an athlete not only ride faster, but also run faster off the bike. Topics and questions covered include: Is aero everything for every athlete? What do you look for in a virtual or in-person bike fit? How much time should athletes allow before races to make significant bike fit changes? Why is power different on the road vs. an indoor trainer? Why is power different on a road bike vs. time-trial bike? When is it best to come out of aero? Is there a speed or hill grade? What is normal vs. abnormal discomfort on a bike? What type of aerobars are the best? Where should I put my nutrition? What tire pressure should I run on my race wheels? This episode won't drown you in numbers and science, but it will improve your race preparation and confidence no matter your ability or skill level. About Ivan O'Gorman Ivan regularly works with recreational cyclists and triathletes of all levels, as well as WorldTour professionals and Olympians. As a seven-time IRONMAN World Championship finisher and two-time LT 100 MTB finisher, Ivan has significant first-hand knowledge of the many factors athletes must consider to maximize results. About Chris Soden Chris has spent over 25 years in the cycling industry, and specializes in custom and high-end bike sales and fittings. He has an extensive background as a professional bike fitter and industry consultant. At IOG Chris specializes in bike fitting, bike fit education, and industry consulting with a business optimization focus. Episode and Purple Patch Resources Book a Bike Fit and Consult with IOG Bike Fit Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy Learn More Aout Ivan and Chris at IOG Bicycle Rolling Resistance - Dedicated to providng the most detailed information about bicycling tires Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music

The Purple Patch Podcast 'Triathlon Takeover' continues with a step-by-step guide to race day fueling and hydration with Sports Scientist and Precision Hydration Co-Founder, Andy Blow. Matt and Andy identify and explain the three levers of race fueling – Fluids (water) Electrolytes Calories/carbohydrates Then, they 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." We are here to explain why! 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! Andy Blow Bio: Andy Blow is a Sports Scientist with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Bath. An expert in sweat, dehydration, and cramping, Andy previously worked as the Team Sports Scientist for the Benetton and Renault Formula 1 teams, and remains an adviser to the Porsche Human Performance Centre. An elite-level triathlete in his younger days, Andy has finished in the top-10 of Ironman and IM 70.3 races, as well as winning an Xterra World title. It was Andy's own struggles with cramp and hydration that led to him specializing in electrolyte replenishment and founding Precision Hydration. Andy is a leading figure in the world of sports hydration and has worked alongside Dr. Raj Jutley, as well as other top sports scientists, to co-author a number of studies and books. Episode and Purple Patch Resources Precision Hydration - use code: PURPLEPATCH_SQ93 for discount How to Measure Your Sweat Rate to Improve Your Hydration Strategy - Precision Hydration Blog Learn More about Squad High-Performance Training Program Join the Purple Patch Strength Programming Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy Register for the Purple Patch St. George Webinar Email info@purplepatchfitness.com with questions about triathlon training and strength programming.

The swim leg of any triathlon is one that elicits stress and fear. You're entering into murky water with the blinding sun in your eyes. There are choppy waves that are seemingly predestined to make their way into your lungs. All the while, you're getting very physical with hundreds of your closest friends. Swim anxiety is real, especially in open water swimming. Today, Coach Matt Dixon and Coach John Stevens diffuse some of the stress around triathlon swimming and frame strategies to help you approach the swim more effectively. In this deep dive on triathlon swimming, they will: Help Establish a Positive Mindset Around Swimming Benefits of Swim Band Training Identify Common Sources of Anxiety and Fear Outline Solutions and Strategies Around Many of Those Sources of Fear and Anxiety Around Swimming The goal of this episode is to help you build confidence and become empowered when approaching the triathlon swim. Regardless of whether you are a multisport veteran or a complete newbie, we hope to help you develop a toolkit to help alleviate some of the open water swim anxiety that is prevalent at triathlons, IRONMANS, and multisport events. This is your year of performance and Purple Patch is here to help! John Stevens comes to Purple Patch with a wealth of athletic and coaching experience. His background is rich in swimming, progressing through high-level high school swimming and then venturing on to become the captain of the University of Miami swim team. John began coaching, first as an assistant in Tucson, AZ, and then two years as an assistant coach at Florida International University. John moved home to Maine in 2010 and coached high school swimming for three years. It was there that he transitioned to competing in triathlons and the emerging sport of SwimRun, with a notable result in 2018 where he and his partner won the San Juan Islands SwimRun, beating out Lance Armstrong and Simon Whitfield. John also won the Ödyssey SwimRun Casco Bay three years in a row. While coaching and developing multi-sport and endurance athletes, John has expanded his reach into both race director roles, as well as leading positions in triathlon and multi-sport camps. Time Stamps on Episode Segments: 00:00-03:10 Intro to Episode - Get Rid of Your Swim Fears 03:10-10:06 Who the Bleeding Heck Are You? How Intentional Walk Breaks Lead to Faster Race Performance 10:08-15:00 Squaddie Update 15:00-20:00 Word of the Week - Change - Pave a New Path with the Opportunities Ahead 20:15 Meat and Potatoes - Alleviating Swim Anxiety Episode and Purple Patch Resources Register for the Purple Patch St. George Webinar Join the Purple Patch Strength Programming Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy Purple Patch Open Water Swim Warm-Up Email info@purplepatchfitness.com with questions about triathlon training and strength programming. Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music

Celebrate Good Times, C'mon! Fasten your seat belts, folks. It is time to get back to racing and over the course of the next several weeks, the podcast is executing a "triathlon takeover" - focusing on everything you'll need to implement a successful return to racing after our extended hiatus. Today's episode lays the groundwork to arm you with the knowledge, mindset, and tactics for a confident experience. Matt outlines: Expectations - How should you prioritize your expectations for this first race? The likelihood is that it has been a while since your last race, and if it is your first time then well -- it's your first time. In either scenario, it is always unclear how your body will respond to the unique situation and stressors of racing. But, this does not mean that things are destined to go poorly. Not at all. Matt explains 'the why'... Mindset - Instead of trying to over-analyze and come up with solutions for things that don't need to be solved before the event, take on a mindset of excited curiosity. Your first race should be a celebration -- even mixed with a little gratitude...Gratitude for your health, your opportunity, and the signal of our world beginning to transition back to a version of normal. Practical Tips and 'Must-Dos' - A little bonus material on how to train leading up to the race, tactical race planning, and a few logistic reminders since it has been a while for all of us! It's time to dust the rust off and have some fun in 2021! Episode and Purple Patch Resources Purplepatchfitness.com/fastcoursetraining Purple Patch Podcast - Episode on Strength Training with Mike Olzinski Join the Purple Patch Strength Programming Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy Email info@purplepatchfitness.com with questions about triathlon training and strength programming. Purple Patch Podcast Page

Obsession. It isn't an easy topic, but it's an important one and Matt explores this fine line between a healthy commitment to performance vs. an unhealthy obsession in today's episode that sets the backdrop of future episodes. Remember, the pursuit and excellence in your sporting goals aren't the only measures of success. We define success as nailing that part, but by pursuing these goals, you also improve your health, increase your effectiveness at work, and are equipped to show up to friends and family as the best version of yourself possible. So, to lead listeners in the subject, Matt focuses the discussion around four key phrases: * Performance within Context * Embrace the Journey * Nail the Basics * No One Gives a Sh*t Using these four sayings as a guide and framework, we believe you can stabilize your relationship with the pursuit of excellence, and still become the best version of yourself within the context of life. The four key sayings also endorse a high work ethic, great commitment, and the requirement to do a lot of things right, but they can also guard against falling into a paralyzing mindset that shackles growth and performance within the context of your life. This is what success is: It is NOT pursuing your sporting goals at the cost of health, relationships, and effectiveness across life's commitments. It is the reverse. This mindset defines the ability to frame every single element of sport and performance and keep you from crossing the barrier onto the slippery and dangerous slope of obsession. Episode and Purple Patch Resources Download the Free Recovery Scorecard Join the Purple Patch Strength Programming Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy Email info@purplepatchfitness.com with questions about triathlon training and strength programming. Purple Patch Podcast Page

Athletes often think of recovery as a weakness or liability to their training. Unfortunately, our barometer of success is often a simple accumulation of training hours without regard to the quality of those hours or what we do in between. If we do give a thought to recovery, it's usually in the form of a rest day or a little foam rolling after a tough session. But, is this true recovery? Are we really allowing our body to adapt to the training stress? Through two case studies, Matt defines recovery and teaches athletes and high-performers how to integrate it into their training and life roadmap. Chris Lieto, and how Matt adapted his training to integrate real recovery during his 2008-2009 season, ultimately leading to a 2nd place finish at the Ironman World Championships The story of "Ken," a Purple Patch age-group athlete, who, like most of us, balance jobs, family, and other obligations. How did Matt integrate recovery into his work and training schedule? It isn't just about athletic recovery. He also identifies three Components of Recovery and how to integrate each into a time-starved life. 1. Training Recovery 2. Lifestyle Recovery 3. Modalities With a little planning, forethought, and honest self-reflection, you can amplify your performance with integrated recovery. Any dipshit can work hard, but it takes courage to recover Episode and Purple Patch Resources Purplepatchfitness.com/fastcoursetraining Join the Purple Patch Strength Programming Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy Purple Patch Free Resource: Why Good Nutrition and Falling in Love with Protein is Important as an Endurance Athlete Email info@purplepatchfitness.com with questions about triathlon training and strength programming. Purple Patch Podcast Page Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music