Endurance Nation Podcast

Get ready to be inspired! Our guest today is Eugene, a remarkable 72-year-old athlete, who has been racing in half-Ironman distance since 2010, demonstrating his strength in skill all disciplines. Join us as we explore his world of competitive racing, the lessons he's learned along the way, and the secrets behind his unyielding spirit and determination.  We huddle around the significance of maintaining a positive attitude and an appreciation for endurance sports, regardless of age. Eugene, with his infectiously bright spirit, underscores the importance of a balanced lifestyle, always getting his chores done before training - a simple, yet profound mantra that has guided him through his journey. We also delve into the role of perseverance in racing, discussing how challenging yourself and embracing the unique experiences that endurance sports offer can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. In a thrilling segment, Eugene shares his experience qualifying for the Triathlon World Championships in Finland, highlighting the crucial role his wife played in his journey. It's not just about physical preparation and strategy, as Eugene emphasizes – it's also about mental strength, a positive attitude, and a strong support system. So, whether you're an athlete, a sports enthusiast, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers a compelling narrative of resilience, motivation, and success. Join us in this insightful conversation as we uncover the life of an exceptional athlete navigating his golden years with vitality and wisdom.

Listen in as we tackle the challenges of endurance training in the hot summer months. We provide valuable strategies on how to best prepare for the heat, emphasizing the importance of pre-hydration, addressing the humidity, and wearing the right gear when under direct sunlight. We also discuss how the heat impacts athletes differently based on their size and share insights on how to manage expectations for sessions that peak in humidity. Finally, we underline the necessity of sunscreen during the summer, as taking care of your body is of utmost importance.  In the second half, we shift our focus to heart rate zones and their significance in the summer months. Discover how adjusting efforts in different climates can maximize your performance, and how pre-hydration and the mitigation of heat during practice and on race day can drastically improve your results. We close out the episode by discussing the rewards of understanding your competition and investing time in preparation, highlighting the satisfaction of securing a well-deserved medal. Listen, learn, and prepare to outshine your competition this summer!

Welcome to Coach Patrick's Race Weekend Edition podcast from Endurance Nation! In this special episode, Coach Patrick shares invaluable insights and strategies for race execution that have been honed over 15 years of experience. Whether you're racing 10 miles or 200 miles, an Ironman athlete, or pursuing any other distance, this podcast equips you with the Four Keys of Race Execution framework to help you have a fantastic race, regardless of fitness level. Discover how to stay on track, focus on the basics, and prepare yourself mentally and physically for those challenging moments on race day. Tune in to optimize your race strategy and find out why it's not about how fast you go, but how well you execute your race!

Ever found yourself completely captivated by a documentary? That's what happened to me when I started watching Netflix's Tour de France documentary. Matt and I dive into the intensity of the race, the fascinating team dynamics, the directors, and the sponsors, all of which make this documentary a must-watch for anyone who owns a bike and appreciates the sport.   Beyond the Tour de France, we also discuss the Race Across America (RAM) and the Escape Collective, a fantastic alternative to accessing content from Bellow News. I share my personal experience training for the Leadville and Steamboat Races, and we chat about how racing for privileges at the grocery store can be a fun and motivating challenge. So, make sure to get outside for a ride this weekend and enjoy the thrill of cycling!   Struggling with off-road racing strategies? Matt and I have got you covered as we explore how off-road racing differs from long-course triathlon racing. Learn valuable tips on training, rest, and warm-up routines, as well as how to handle road and trail sections of a race. We discuss the importance of understanding your own capabilities and taking risks when necessary, and how an athlete's history can impact their racing strategies. Don't miss this episode packed with insightful racing and self-care tips for cyclists!  

Prepare to pedal into the world of adventure cycling with our guest, Julia, who's got an insatiable craving for off-road challenges. The tales of her escapades are nothing short of exhilarating. Imagine a grueling 120-mile race in Iceland, not once but twice, that ends with a proposal at the finish line! No, not every cyclist's story has a romantic twist, but you'll be hooked to Julia's narrative of racing intensity, learning, and the charm of unexpected adventures. Hop on as we trail along the scenic off-road routes of San Francisco, learning about the unique lingo cyclists use. Julia gives us a tour of her husband's impressive bike collection, revealing the convenience of having a handy garage for quick fixes. Her newfound love for outdoor cycling and bikepacking is contagious, and you might find yourself looking at the world differently from the saddle of a bike. As we chat about balancing professional and personal lives with a passion for cycling and future racing plans, you'll realize this conversation isn't merely about the thrill of cycling, but also about embracing life with exhilaration, learning, and love. Strap in for an episode that promises to be a wild ride!

When life throws a curveball, how do you react? Our guest for this episode, Derek Sanks, shows us the essence of resilience. Derek's tale is one of strength, determination, and perseverance. He got back on his feet after a stress fracture and was running again in no time. Derek's systematic approach, connecting short-term goals to long-term vision, is awe-inspiring. He emphasizes the importance of being proactive, addressing small issues before they escalate, and focusing on each step of the plan to reach the end goal.    We also take you through the exhilarating experience of Derek's Ironman race, held just three days after his ankle injury. Despite the setback, Derek powered through the race with surprising results, crossing the finish line in fifth place. There's a light-hearted banter about his wife's fourth-place prediction for another race. The episode is a testament to Derek's indomitable spirit and a giant Pac-Man metaphor, having his way through the field, one bite at a time.    Finally, we uncover Derek's strategies for race performance and recovery. Competing only days after his injury, he managed to turn the tide in his favor. Derek emphasizes the importance of patience, discipline, and making a disciplined return to training. He also offers unique insights into how racing can provide a rapid flow of information, helping you let go of other worries. The episode concludes with Derek reflecting on his achievements, progress, and future plans. This episode is more than just a conversation; it's an invaluable lesson in overcoming adversity, making progress, and achieving your goals.  

Welcome to an all-new episode that's all heart and muscle. Today, I sit down with the ever-inspiring Gregory Palmer, who shares the chronicles of his fitness journey - shifting from powerlifting to triathlons. In our chat, we journey through Gregory's remarkable weight loss story, his transition to long course racing, and his first half Ironman experience. His story emphasizes the power of consistency and the determination to evolve in pursuit of achieving his goals.   Our conversation doesn't stop at fitness. We plunge into the real-life challenges Gregory faces as he balances intense periods of training, racing, and family commitments. He shares how his spouse and he make unified decisions when it comes to racing, and how their son has also been inspired to participate in the sport. Listen to Gregory's driving force to compete and how he finds inspiration, imbued with the spirit of his surroundings.   As we age, our bodies naturally demand changes in our workout routines. Greg opens up about how he’s tweaked his training plan, incorporating an extra run day, adjusting the intensity of his workouts, and how he is coping with tendonitis. He explores physical therapy and biomechanics solutions, all while maintaining a clear focus on his goals. Gregory's story is sure to inspire and motivate you in your own fitness journey. Whether it's his joy in watching his son race or the importance he places on training volume for success, Gregory's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and dedication. Tune in to this episode for a dose of inspiration, motivation, and practical tips!  

Prepare to pedal into the world of adventure cycling with our guest, Julia, who's got an insatiable craving for off-road challenges. The tales of her escapades are nothing short of exhilarating. Imagine a grueling 120-mile race in Iceland, not once but twice, that ends with a proposal at the finish line! No, not every cyclist's story has a romantic twist, but you'll be hooked to Julia's narrative of racing intensity, learning, and the charm of unexpected adventures.   Hop on as we trail along the scenic off-road routes of San Francisco, learning about the unique lingo cyclists use. Julia gives us a tour of her husband's impressive bike collection, revealing the convenience of having a handy garage for quick fixes. Her newfound love for outdoor cycling and bikepacking is contagious, and you might find yourself looking at the world differently from the saddle of a bike. As we chat about balancing professional and personal lives with a passion for cycling and future racing plans, you'll realize this conversation isn't merely about the thrill of cycling, but also about embracing life with exhilaration, learning, and love. Strap in for an episode that promises to be a wild ride!  

What happens when you combine triathlons, gravel races, and ultras? You get a team of unstoppable endurance athletes who have been crushing it lately, even qualifying two members for the World Championships in Finland! Our sponsor Omius has been helping us keep our cool with their innovative gear, and in this week's episode, we're diving into what's been driving our success.   Ever considered "adventure investment" as a way to amp up your training? We share how exploring the unique climates, cultures, and terrains of Lake Placid, Mallorca, and Tenerife has given us an edge when preparing for races. Plus, we encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and discover new places on your own two feet or two wheels.   Lastly, we delve into the tough topic of doping in triathlon and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport. From the emotional impact of being cheated by a competitor to the power of internal dialogue and decision-making, we examine how recognizing the ethical voice inside our heads can lead to better choices and ultimately, forgiveness for past mistakes. Listen in and find your inner strength!