Endurance Nation Podcast

Ever thought about exploring the world on a bike? Meet Mark Parascandola, an endurance athlete who didn't start his cycling journey until he was 40. Now, Mark's adventures span continents from the Pyrenees to Columbia to Slovenia, showing us it’s never too late to begin an adventure and that culture and cycling make for a perfect combination. Mark's tales of conquering the week-long Trans-Pyreneese ride and savoring the San Sebastian Film Festival will leave you brimming with excitement and curiosity. Mark’s stories go beyond just the thrill of adventure cycling, and he's ready to pass his learnings on to you. Discover the nitty-gritty of planning for races and training camps; from booking flights, choosing cycling camps to the importance of safety in different locations. Are you thinking of renting a bike for your next adventure? Mark's insights will guide you to make the right choice.  Finally, we'll journey into the realm of adventure travel planning beyond cycling. Join us as Mark shares his wisdom on balancing fitness with adventure and unleashing the explorer within you while staying at your base location. Ever considered swimming as an exciting addition to your travel? We discuss the perks of choosing places with excellent swimming facilities. And in an unexpected twist, we reveal the surprising beauty of Skyline Drive, showcasing how adventures come in many forms and can often take you by surprise. So get ready to soak up Mark's experiences and insights - they're bound to inspire the adventurer in you!

Join us as we journey through the inspiring world of endurance sports with long-time triathlete, Scott. He shares his unique perspective on the intersectionality of training and racing, stressing that being smarter equals being faster. Listen as Scott talks about his 20-year-long journey in triathlon and the emotional connection one can have with endurance sports. He suggests that the best way to understand the allure of triathlon is to participate in the shortest possible event you can think of, emphasizing that people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities can join in. Scott's story doesn't end there; he shares his incredible journey of returning to training and racing after a severe bike crash. By understanding the nuances of training for multiple sports and harnessing the power of data from fitness trackers, he managed to keep his fitness goals alive. Hear about Scott's ambitious goal for his marathon and how he prepared for it, including his race rehearsal, nutrition strategy, and the physical challenges he faced during the race.  As we reflect on Scott's marathon performance, we discuss strategies for a successful race, such as finding an efficient heart rate sweet spot and using the conditions to our advantage. We also explore future plans for Scott and discuss the lessons to be learned from his experience. Finally, we discuss the camaraderie and thrill of participating in a triathlon, the importance of safety, and the joy of celebrating a successful race. Listen in as we uncover the compelling stories and future plans of a seasoned triathlete.

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey as we unpack our riveting experiences from a seven-day mountain bike stage race in the Alps. We promise the adventure is worth every pedal stroke! Explore the unexpected aerodynamic benefits of "stuffing a turkey" - stowing a large water bottle down the front of your jersey. You'll be amazed at how this simple trick can enhance your cycling performance. We pivot the focus to the intriguing world of Tour De France and Ironman. Drawing from our training experiences during the pandemic, we shed light on the differing commentary styles and their impact on endurance sports. We bring you a stimulating dialog about Andrew Messick's interview with Jack Kelly and Nicholas Roach's insider perspective on the race. Experience the stark differences between racing in Europe and other locations. As we progress, we delve into the world of Ironman, spotlighting the recent decline in race participation, especially among women in the 50+ age group. Gain insight into Ironman's decision to host a separate race for women and its potential ripple effect on the endurance sports landscape. Finally, we gear up for the upcoming Leadville race, offering strategies to conquer endurance sports. The sheer thrill of this episode will leave you on the edge of your seat, eager for more. Tune in as we navigate the exhilarating world of endurance sports together.

Join us as we explore the concept of the 'Bermuda Triangle of Training' - that period of peak expectations and stress in the weeks leading up to a race. Listen in as we walk you through the three critical pieces of this challenging period: when life throws you a curveball, minor problems with your equipment, and the depletion of your mojo. We help you understand how to navigate this potentially devastating period, with a focus on staying resilient and maintaining your focus on your goals. In this episode, we further discuss how to embrace these challenges, emphasizing the importance of gratitude for these problems, as they will ultimately make you stronger and better prepared for race day. You'll also learn the importance of managing your mojo and the role of a mantra or ritual action in your daily routine. Finally, as you approach race month, we provide strategies on how to stay focused and manage stress. You won't want to miss out on these tips and tricks for handling this challenging yet critical phase of your training journey!

Prepare to turbocharge your race preparation and training strategies with this episode. Coach Patrick shares his secrets to completing the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Edition in less than nine hours. ----------------- Get the Four Keys FREE Race Resource: www.endurancenation.us/fourkeys ----------------- He'll peel back the layers on the strategies that led to this achievement, including consistent early season training, the power of detailed race research, developing a robust pacing plan, and ensuring ample rest before the big day. Patrick will also share how the principles that set Team Endurance Nation apart and how the invaluable support of teammates paved the way to success. (0:00:03) - Race Preparation and Training Strategies Coach Patrick discusses consistent training, early season volume, researching the race, pacing plans, resting into the race, and nutritional excellence for successful race execution. (0:10:20) - Pacing Plan and Race Preparation Created a plan to manage eating/drinking, used color coding, and created a pacing plan to target a sub nine time. (0:17:20) - Rest and Nutrition in Endurance Racing Coach Patrick discusses rest periods, nutrition, Ironman races, and color coding for Leadville. (0:26:24) - Tips for Improving Performance Fundamentals, research, organization, color coding, and performance breakthroughs discussed.

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!