Purple Patch Podcast

Take a moment to revisit your childhood. Do you recall spending hours on end riding your bike around the neighborhood, exploring backyards for unknown treasures, splashing in the pool with your friends, or playing in the snow without thought or fear of the cold? Ahhh…the glory days of childs' play. Hopefully, you engaged in a variety of activities, both structured and unstructured. You likely played soccer, or little league, or swam on your swim team. With luck, those days provided positive memories and awarded many positive traits that you carry with you today related to teamwork, leadership, creativity, passion, resilience and the importance of failure. Yes, the importance of failure. That is the framework for Matt's highly personal episode this week about childhood development in sports: the value of sports for children, setting up your kids for long-term performance, and the mindset and approach to being a supporting parent in their journey. Matt takes on this important topic from three perspectives: as a former elite athlete, as a coach, and most importantly, as a father of a six-year-old son. What are the global benefits of participation in sports as a youth? Why should you build in unstructured play as well? How do you set up your children for success? How do you set them up for failure? The journey of an athlete at any age extends well beyond physical development. It is a gateway of imagination, adventure, and shared journeys. It is a confidence booster and, quite often, a catalyst to problem-solving. Most importantly, though, it should be fun. To ask questions, email: questions@purplepatchfitness.com Follow Purple Patch Fitness and learn more about our Coaching Services, Training Camps, Promotions and Matt's Latest Book, Fast Track Triathlete: Purple Patch Fitness Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Thanks for taking a listen and, if you like what you hear, please subscribe, share, rate and review. Your feedback is appreciated. Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Google Podcasts Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." - Isaac Newton The power of a mentor or coach cannot be overstated and to truly maximize the benefits of a professional coach, you, the athlete, must be a major stakeholder to ensure the relationship is fruitful and beneficial to your performance. In this episode, Matt discusses the importance of finding the right coach for you. What are characteristics of a great coach or mentor? How do you find the right coach for your needs? How do you maximize the relationship to allow performance gains? What are some of the qualities and red flags you should look for? Does the coach's philosophy align with you and your needs? What is your role in this athletic journey? Being a great coached athlete is not about punching the clock and simply checking off workouts prescribed like a list of tasks. Life is not a spreadsheet, and therefore it is tough to apply a strict spreadsheet of training to life. And, remember, having a coach isn't just about getting you to hit every session, but to become empowered to make smart decisions to adapt and evolve training relative to life and prior training. Is your coach fit for the job? Is your coach fit for you? Find out in today's episode. Think Purple Patch Coaching may be a good fit for you? Review our programs and reach out to us! To truly maximize the benefits of a professional coach, you, the athlete, must be a major stakeholder to ensure the relationship is fruitful and beneficial for your performance. So, how do you find the right coach for your needs, and how do you maximize the relationship to allow performance gains? Here are some questions you should be asking. To ask questions, email: questions@purplepatchfitness.com Follow Purple Patch Fitness and learn more about our Coaching Services, Training Camps, Promotions and Matt's Latest Book, Fast Track Triathlete: Purple Patch Fitness Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Thanks for taking a listen and, if you like what you hear, please subscribe, share, rate and review. Your feedback is appreciated. Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Google Podcasts Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

Download our Sample Post-Season Workouts There couldn't be a more valuable part of the season to make fundamental groundwork changes to who you are as an athlete. Purple Patch views the post-season as perhaps THE most important block of training which includes preparation for the heavy lifting ahead, technical and skills development, and critical 'building block' work of good habits that pave the way for greater yields from the training that will come later. Consider it as the first part of your annual performance journey, and the absolute bedrock and foundation of your construction project as an athlete. In this episode, Matt Dixon dispels myths around this phase by talking about two real-life Purple Patch athletes and how they've traditionally approached post-season. A small shift in focus yielded much improvement for the next season. How important is post-season? What is the mission of post-season and what is your mindset? What type of workouts should you do? These topics and more are built into this episode about post-season and your opportunity to set up a better season and year of performance and health than you've ever had before. Purple Patch is Hiring Coaches Click HERE for our Sample Post-Season Workouts To ask questions, email: questions@purplepatchfitness.com Follow Purple Patch Fitness and learn more about our Coaching Services, Training Camps, Promotions and Matt's Latest Book, Fast Track Triathlete: Purple Patch Fitness Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Thanks for taking a listen and, if you like what you hear, please subscribe, share, rate and review. Your feedback is appreciated. Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Google Podcasts

To evolve and improve long-term REQUIRES blocks of serious rejuvenation and rest. In work, sport and life, it is impossible to optimize performance if you never get off the hamster wheel. Quite simply - to grow requires rest. But, how exactly should you integrate blocks of rejuvenation without throwing away all of the blocks of solid training in the last months? In this episode, Matt talks about the dangers and pitfalls of an "all in" or "all out" attitude. He also stresses the benefits that a short break can have on post-season training. Why do you need breaks both physically and emotionally? How exactly should you approach a season break? What can you expect from a short break away from training? What exactly is post-season and what type of training should you do when your next race is still months away? Should you expect dips in fitness? Why are scheduled breaks so hard for athletes to embrace? Why shouldn't you turn into a sloth for a few months? Remember, life is not a hamster wheel. In the cycle of performance, you want long-term development, but you also need time to rest, rebuild and continue to develop technically. Scheduled breaks are the first step in a new progression, just don't turn into a sloth! Matt has put together a video that explains the Purple Patch season planning methodology, specifically the endurance training component and how we can help you develop your best season of performance. Visit https://purplepatchfitness.com/seasonplanning to unlock the video. :00-1:30 Matt's Weekly Introduction 1:30- 6:10 Word of the Week: MISSION 6:25-26:25 The Meat and Potatoes: Taking a Break 26:40-32:30 Question of the Week: Snorkel Use 32:40-34:47 Episode Recap To ask questions, email: questions@purplepatchfitness.com Follow Purple Patch Fitness and learn more about our Coaching Services, Training Camps, Promotions and Matt's Latest Book, Fast Track Triathlete: Purple Patch Fitness Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Thanks for taking a listen and, if you like what you hear, please subscribe, share, rate and review. Your feedback is appreciated. Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Google Podcasts Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

We revisit an insightful conversation with three Purple Patch Pros who are competing in this Saturday's IRONMAN World Championships - Laura Siddall, Kevin Collington, and Sarah Piampiano. They recorded this interview (Episode 5) in January at the Purple Patch Pro Camp in Scottsdale, Arizona when they were just starting their 2018 season. In this episode, they talk about goal setting, managing fears, mindset, key lessons, and finding world-class performance every time they toe the line at a race. Clearly, these three have put their words into action and we wish them all the best on the Big Island. Purple Patch is behind you and we can't wait to follow along! IRONMAN World Championship Kevin Collington Website Sarah Piampiano Website Laura Siddall Website Follow Purple Patch Fitness and learn more about our Coaching Services, Training Camps, Promotions and Matt's Latest Book, Fast Track Triathlete: Purple Patch Fitness Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Thanks for taking a listen and, if you like what you hear, please subscribe, share, rate and review. Your feedback is appreciated. Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Google Podcasts Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

The IRONMAN World Championships take place on Saturday, October 13th and Matt has dedicated this entire episode to the lore and lure of this 40-year-old magical race on the Big Island. Listeners get a glimpse of the race course from his perspective. What makes it so special and, at the same time, so difficult? Why do the best athletes in the world seem to struggle in this unique setting? It is, as he says, an event like no other and spectators have the privilege of watching the battle unfold throughout the day. During this episode, Matt also divulges: How to avoid the common mistakes that athletes make in their training, the week of the race, and even the day of the event that can impact their performance. Critical components of success and how to approach the race from a performance perspective. Advice and recommendations, especially for first-timers It is a magical event and the stakes are high for these privileged athletes who have punched their ticket to the World Championships. And as Matt advises, "Commit to make it your best training day. Once the gun goes off, whatever the body and situation give you, you have to maximize how well you do with those resources." Best of luck to all racing at the IRONMAN World Championships. Prep to Race in Heat or Altitude with Purple Patch Sauna Protocol Follow Purple Patch Fitness and learn more about our Coaching Services, Training Camps, Promotions and Matt's Latest Book, Fast Track Triathlete: Purple Patch Fitness Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Thanks for taking a listen and, if you like what you hear, please subscribe, share, rate and review. Your feedback is appreciated. Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Google Podcasts Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

We've received so many great questions to questions@purplepatchfitness.com and Matt is answering several of them today surrounding season planning and continuous progression as an athlete. Topics include: How to approach your first 70.3 distance Advice on peeing during a race- should you stop? Approach and philosophy of the long run in Ironman or Marathon training Maintaining fitness without the pressure to race Tips on continuous progression after a breakthrough performance Season planning and laying out a race plan for optimal performance Matt has put together a video that explains the Purple Patch season planning methodology, specifically the endurance training component and how we can help you develop your best season of performance. Visit https://purplepatchfitness.com/seasonplanning to unlock the video. Follow Purple Patch Fitness and learn more about our Coaching Services, Training Camps, Promotions and Matt's Latest Book, Fast Track Triathlete: Purple Patch Fitness Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Thanks for taking a listen and, if you like what you hear, please subscribe, share, rate and review. Your feedback is appreciated. Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Google Podcasts Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

In part one of the Purple Patch Podcast with Gerry Rodrigues, Matt and Gerry reminisced about each other's careers and how coaching and training methodologies have evolved, especially for the multisport athlete. In part two, they dissect the recent IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship race and discuss the natural evolution and progression of these world championship athletes. It should come as no surprise that there are common elements of their success that are applicable to athletes and performers at all levels. Finally, Matt and Gerry look ahead to the future of the sport: What is the process of longevity and long-term success? What are the characteristics of great athletes? How is sport such a conduit for life? What is one of Gerry's favorite coaching phrases? Most Importantly, What would Gerry bring on Dixon's Desert Island? We hope you enjoyed this Coaches Conversation with two of the greats in the sport of triathlon. Tower 26 Online Swim Program Follow Purple Patch Fitness and learn more about our Coaching Services, Training Camps, Promotions and Matt's Latest Book, Fast Track Triathlete: Purple Patch Fitness Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Thanks for taking a listen and, if you like what you hear, please subscribe, share, rate and review. Your feedback is appreciated. Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Google Podcasts Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

Did you know that Gerry Rodrigues coached Matt Dixon in swimming when Matt was a professional triathlete? Their relationship and mutual respect span decades - as does their knowledge of the sport. Of course, this isn't a typical conversation about swim form and technique. This is a deep dive with two triathlon experts through their lens of performance and coaching. In part one of this two-part series, they reminisce about each other's careers and how coaching and training have changed, especially for the multisport athlete. In addition to great stories, they discuss: Gerry's swim career and race memories Open water race tactics and strategy advice Components that have facilitated the success of Tower 26 The importance of nailing the basics Athlete development, the lure of lofty aspirations, and why coach hopping is detrimental to success The role of a coach and collaboration between coach and athlete In part two, they'll discuss the future of the sport. Stay tuned! Tower 26 Website Tower 26 Online Swim Program Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

To submit your questions for future episodes, email: questions@purplepatchfitness.com Click Here for Matt's article on Sauna Protocols mentioned in the Question of the Week. At just 34 years of age, Anna Hertel will likely never compete at another IRONMAN. Five years ago, that concept would've been devastating and unimaginable because, like a lot of people, triathlon was her identity. Anna's story is one of growth; growth as a human even in the midst of overwhelming adversity, which has come hard and fast in all facets of her life. This is also a story of finding your place within endurance sports even when the sport you love must cease. What has emerged from the chaos is a mature and patient mindset - a mindset filled with purpose and gratitude and her lessons resonate universally: Stop being in a hurry Meet your body where it's at - not where you think it's at Check your internal health and journal your personal progress; not just the data Don't take yourself too seriously And, as Matt Dixon says, "Keep the sport fun. Give yourself permission to enjoy it. Training is super, but it isn't YOU." What a powerful evolution, indeed. To submit your questions for future episodes, email: questions@purplepatchfitness.com :00-:20 Purple Patch Weekly Intro :22-3:30 Matt's Introduction to the Podcast and Preview 3:45-7:30 Word of the Week - "All In" 7:40-58:30 Anna Hertel Interview 58:30-1:04:25 Athlete Questions of the Week - Heat Acclimation 1:04:30-1:06:27 Matt Dixon's Lessons of the Week Click Here for Matt's article on Sauna Protocols Follow Purple Patch Fitness and learn more about our Coaching Services, Training Camps, Promotions and Matt's Latest Book, Fast Track Triathlete: Purple Patch Fitness Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Thanks for taking a listen and, if you like what you hear, please subscribe, share, rate and review. Your feedback is appreciated. Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Google Podcasts Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved