Purple Patch Podcast

Author and Triathlon Coach, Matt Dixon, will empower and educate you to integrate sport into life in order to reach your athletic potential because, it is through the lens of athletic potential, that you reach your human potential. In addition to topics such as planning your fitness into a time-starved life, the show will provide in-depth interviews, advice, and insight into optimizing your health, work, and life performance, along with the critical habits and approaches that facilitate the success of some of the world's top performers across many disciplines.

Latest episodes

Aug 30, 2023 • 52min

Episode 281: Purple Patch Case Study Series - #5 - Kyle, Minnie & Kathy (Cautionary Tales)

This week on the Purple Patch Podcast, we conclude our Purple Patch Performance Case Studies series. In this series, we delve into the experiences of real athletes to provide practical insights about performance. In the past few weeks, we have examined some motivating and informative examples of athlete achievement. However, today we will focus on stories that serve as warnings. In this episode, Ironman Master Coach Matt Dixon shares three cautionary tales of athletes at various levels of performance who faced common and significant setbacks on their athletic journeys. Matt outlines the case studies to explain how these challenges developed and recommends solutions for avoiding common pitfalls of the performance landscape. This episode aims to highlight the obstacles that caused these athletes to stumble, and hopefully inspire you to reflect on your own journey and create a positive path to your goals. We highly recommend you check out Matt’s recently published white paper on Sustained High Performance. In it, Matt combines his two decades of coaching observations with current empirical research and direct insights from high-performing C-Suite executives. He lays out a roadmap to amplify performance at the highest levels of business leadership. Click here to download your free copy and access Matt's extensive experience in coaching individuals to the highest level of performance in world-class sports, executive performance, and corporate leadership. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 03:13 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 03:14 - 05:28 - Matt's News-ings 05:29 - 09:11 - Word of the Week 09:18 - 51:38 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 281: Purple Patch Case Study Series - #5 - Kyle, Minnie, & Kathy (Cautionary Tales) Purple Patch and Episode Resources Click Here for a special offer and a quick survey to provide feedback on how we can better serve you. Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Purple Patch Video Podcast and More More on the Purple Patch Methodology More on Purple Patch Bike Live & On-Demand Get a Free Taste of Purple Patch Strength 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

Aug 23, 2023 • 56min

Episode 277: Purple Patch Case Study Series - #1 - Matt Lieto and Meredith Kessler

This month on the Purple Patch Podcast, we're highlighting Purple Patch Performance Case Studies. We wanted to share practical insights about performance, so we're analyzing real-life examples rather than just theories. In this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon begins our case study series by examining the performance journeys of two prominent members of the Purple Patch Pro Squad, Matt Lieto and Meredith Kessler. Matt and Meredith played a crucial role in the success of the Purple Patch Pro Squad and were instrumental in developing the coaching approach that is now central to Purple Patch Fitness. Matt shares insights on personal performance development based on the experiences of these two world-class triathletes who have excelled in their sport and beyond. Matt discusses their initial performance struggles, his coaching analysis and suggestions, and the results of their new approaches. The stories of Matt Lieto and Meredith Kessler offer valuable lessons that are relevant to anyone, regardless of their skill level or goals. Next week's show will feature two current Purple Patch athletes, David Farsai and Chris Hughes, discussing coaching, community, and the key factors that have contributed to their success. Both athletes embody the Purple Patch methodology in practice. To learn more about the Purple Patch methodology and the evolution of the Purple Patch Pro Squad, Click Here. About Meredith Kessler Meredith grew up in Columbus, Ohio where she was a 4-sport athlete and was inducted into her high school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Meredith went on to receive a Division I athletic scholarship at Syracuse University where she participated in field hockey and track. After graduation in 2000, she used her graduation money to purchase her first triathlon bike and entered a full Ironman (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run) two weeks later. From that moment on, she caught the spirit of IRONMAN competition and has not looked back. Since that first Ironman in 2000, Meredith has completed over 60 full Ironman races all over the United States and the world. She is an 11-time full-distance Ironman and 23-time half-distance Ironman champion. About Matt Lieto Matt Lieto has been involved in the endurance sports community for nearly two decades, but his journey to get there was quite unique. In 1998, Lieto was inspired to pursue a healthier lifestyle after watching his brother compete in the Ironman World Championship. He shed 80 pounds by skateboarding at a local park and since then has spent a significant amount of time as a professional triathlete and cyclist, participating in some of the world's most prestigious races such as the Ironman World Championships and the Unbound 200. Recently, he has been focusing on sharing his expertise by coaching, hosting a podcast, and serving as a lead commentator for Ironman events while making appearances on NBC, Peacock, RedbullTV, and other platforms. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 06:03 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 06:10 - 09:47 - Matt's News-ings 09:54 - 52:03 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 277: Purple Patch Case Study Series - #1 - Matt Lieto and Meredith Kessler Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More More on the Purple Patch Methodology Episode 276: The Purple Patch Pro Squad - 3 Defining Words That Drove Results More on Purple Patch Bike Live & On-Demand 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

Jul 26, 2023 • 38min

Episode 276: The Purple Patch Pro Squad - 3 Defining Words That Drove Results

On this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon reflects on the long history of the Purple Patch Pro Squad and the lessons you can apply to your own performance journey. Whether you're an athlete, the leader of an organization or team, a coach, or just someone striving to live a better and longer life, the stories we'll discuss today can greatly influence your mindset and approach toward achieving success. Matt explores three essential lessons that contributed to the athletes' incredible achievements: the collective mindset as a driver for individual success, the importance of a team approach in a sport centered on individual performance, and the practices and skills beyond training that drove effectiveness and performance gains. Each driver of success is broken down to simplify elements that athletes of any level can integrate into their training program. We also have supporting materials for the show, which we highly recommend reading. After the show, head over to our Purple Patch Methodology webpage, a brand new webpage that takes you through the journey, results, highlights, and lessons from over 15 years of Matt guiding athletes to the highest level of performance. You'll discover countless individual success stories beneath the results and summaries. We'll dig deeper into these stories in the coming weeks and months, highlighting individual athletes and revealing valuable insights into elite performance and success. Each story will offer radical lessons on mindset, approach, managing adversity, giving and receiving feedback, and most certainly a bit of humor. Be sure to check out the webpage and stick around for future episodes. It's going to be a fun journey. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 05:32 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 05:47 - 09:45 - Word of the Week 09:53 - 37:41 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 276: The Purple Patch Pro Squad - 3 Defining Words That Drove Results Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More More on Purple Patch Bike Live & On-Demand 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

Jul 12, 2023 • 47min

Episode 275: Run Ready - An Evolved Approach to Get Faster and Stay Injury Free in Running

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

Jul 5, 2023 • 43min

Episode 274: Integrating Strength Training: A Practical Framework to Boost Your Health and Performance

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

Jun 28, 2023 • 1h 5min

Episode 273: The Four Pillars of Performance - Case Studies of Purple Patch Methodology in Action

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

Jun 21, 2023 • 36min

Episode 272: 3 Key Strategies To Help Optimize Your Performance for the Rest of the Year

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

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