Endurance Nation Podcast

Susan is an athlete who learned to juggle Ironman training while managing a demanding job and family life. In this engaging conversation, she shares her transformative journey, emphasizing the Four Keys approach that redefined her training methods. Susan recounts the intense challenges she faced during her preparation for Ironman Wisconsin, including adverse weather and equipment issues. Her story is a testament to resilience and focus, showcasing how everyday athletes can thrive in the face of adversity.

What if a tiny oversight could cost you an entire race? Join us as we recount the ups and downs of the Vermont Overland race, a brutal 55-mile course with 7,500 feet of climbing. This episode is packed with personal stories and hard-earned lessons on the importance of meticulous race preparation. From my own frustrating Did Not Finish (DNF) due to preventable equipment failures to the value of carrying spare valves and CO2 cartridges, we lay it all out. You'll get an inside look into the mechanics and mental strategies required for a successful race day, revealing how even minor oversights can lead to major setbacks. We also introduce you to the Race Saver Bag, an innovative tool designed to help runners manage their core temperature effectively and stay competitive. This game-changing product, once exclusive to professional athletes, is now available to everyone and can help you achieve your personal best. With practical tips on mental rehearsal and handling unexpected challenges, this episode aims to equip you with the knowledge to make smart, decisive choices when it counts the most. Don’t let preventable mistakes sabotage your performance—listen in and prepare to elevate your race game.   Learn more and take our free email course here: https://mailchi.mp/endurancenation.us/freefourkeys

What if the key to your best triathlon run isn't about speed, but about avoiding a slowdown? Join us as we unveil crucial strategies for effective run execution that prioritize smart decision-making over sheer hard work or luck. We'll delve into how your ingrained running identity, often linked to specific race distances and times, can be a hidden pitfall on race day. Discover how shifting your focus from running fast to managing your pace conservatively at the start can help control your heart rate and heat accumulation, allowing you to maintain your performance throughout the race. Equip yourself with knowledge and proactive practice to realize your full potential.   Aid stations might seem like minor pitstops, but improper management can cost you valuable time. We discuss the critical importance of planning what you need to achieve at each aid station, whether it's fueling, hydrating, or cooling. By having a clear strategy and executing efficiently, you can significantly enhance your race performance. Moreover, we emphasize that exceptional run execution is part of a broader preparation that includes solid swims, good biking, and effective nutrition strategies. Listen in as we share insights and resources from Endurance Nation to help you race to your peak potential.   Learn more and take our free email course here: https://mailchi.mp/endurancenation.us/freefourkeys  

Unlock the secrets to a stellar triathlon bike performance as you join Coach Patrick at Enduro Station! Learn the critical elements that can make or break your race day, such as mastering your nutrition strategy within the first hour, pacing yourself to save energy for the run, and effectively managing your effort to conquer the course. Coach Patrick shares a personal tale from his first Ironman in 2001, revealing the rookie mistake of not practicing non-stop rides and the challenging consequences that followed. This episode provides actionable insights to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a strong finish.   We also introduce you to a structured race execution framework called the four keys of race execution, designed to boost your race preparedness. Engage with us by leaving your questions, comments, and feedback; Coach Patrick is eager to help you fine-tune your strategy. Don't miss the opportunity to subscribe to our free race execution course via email, packed with invaluable tips and guidance. Best of luck to all our listeners, and remember to stay well and connected!   Learn more and take our free email course here: https://mailchi.mp/endurancenation.us/freefourkeys

Ever wondered why some triathletes glide effortlessly through open water while others struggle? Join Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation as he unlocks the secrets to mastering your open water swim performance. From essential tips like extending underwater and fingertip drag drills to blowing bubbles for optimal breathing, Patrick offers practical advice designed to help both novices and seasoned athletes alike. Get ahead with strategies to stay on course, such as environmental assessment and landmark identification, ensuring that you don't waste precious energy zigzagging in the water.   Stay tuned as Patrick provides insider techniques to refine your sighting and maintain proper form even amidst the chaos of race day. Learn how to integrate sighting with your breathing, using your arm as a marker to keep your hips from dropping and your speed from stalling. Discover how slight adjustments in hand placement can keep you moving straight and true. Finally, Patrick emphasizes the importance of relaxation, recentering, and understanding group dynamics, all critical components in optimizing your swim performance. For those eager to elevate their triathlon swim game, this episode is packed with expert strategies and actionable tips you won't want to miss.   Learn more and take our free email course here: https://mailchi.mp/endurancenation.us/freefourkeys

Join me, Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation, as I share critical insights to help you avoid common mistakes and boost your performance on race day. In this episode, we explore three key errors triathletes often make, starting with the crucial practice swim. Learn how familiarizing yourself with race day conditions can manage your nerves and equip you with the confidence needed to excel in the water. Discover why ignoring this simple yet powerful step can lead to unnecessary surprises that could throw off your entire race strategy. Listen in as I uncover the second common mistake—improper hill riding techniques. Many athletes mistakenly attack hills aggressively, leading to energy depletion and inefficient performance. Instead, maintaining a steady effort and consistent pedal pressure is essential for conserving energy and performing optimally. Additionally, I highlight the importance of using a free course from Endurance Nation to guide your race day preparation. This resource provides practical tips and rules to help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve success. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights and make sure to share this episode with fellow racers. Stay tuned for next week's coach video check-in!   Want to dig deeper? Sign up for our free Race Execution email course to unlock more secrets: https://mailchi.mp/endurancenation.us/freefourkeys

Join us for an enlightening discussion on optimizing your endurance training and race preparation in this latest episode. We kick things off by exploring the critical importance of race selection and early planning. Using an example from Liz in Rhode Island, we illustrate how selecting a race well in advance can strategically benefit your training schedule, travel plans, and equipment needs. This proactive approach allows athletes to make thoughtful decisions that enhance their chances of success and reduce stress. Listen in as we cover effective strategies for managing heat and pacing during triathlons. We delve into maintaining a wet kit while cycling to help dissipate heat and emphasize the importance of strategic pacing to avoid overheating. We also discuss how adjusting effort levels based on the time of day and incorporating walking breaks through aid stations can help manage heart rate and sustain performance. These actionable strategies are designed to help you optimize your performance and ensure you cross the finish line successfully. Lastly, we address the crucial role of nutrition in race preparation, particularly in the final week leading up to the event. Emphasizing clean eating and deliberate food choices, we share tips on reducing portion sizes, avoiding junk food, and planning meals in advance. Additionally, we highlight the benefits of getting personalized endurance training guidance from experienced experts rather than relying on generic advice. By following these guidelines, you can ensure you are optimally fueled and ready for race day. Have a question that you want to ask? Submit it here to get an answer from Coach Patrick on the podcast: https://www.endurancenation.us/questions/

Unlock the secrets to effective triathlon training and immerse yourself in a world of vibrant athleticism with our special guest, Mark, an age-group triathlete who juggles his regimen between the sun-soaked streets of Miami and the bustling avenues of Washington, DC. Hear Mark’s firsthand account of the unique hurdles and perks of Miami’s flat landscapes, paired with the perks of its warm winters and thriving swimming and cycling communities. Plus, get a peek into Mark’s amusing strategies for balancing remote work and training, including his innovative use of a magnetic screen door for dog training during DC’s sweltering heatwave. Experience the adrenaline rush of the Clash Miami triathlon through Mark’s eyes as we uncover the race's intriguing history and ever-evolving course. Discover what it takes to conquer the Miami distance—a unique challenge that sits between an Olympic distance and a half Ironman. Mark shares indispensable advice on hydration and nutrition to combat the intense Miami heat, especially during the grueling run segment. Gain insights into pacing strategies that can make or break your race performance, all while navigating the unusual race setting of a spring-fed lake within a NASCAR track. But racing in Miami is about more than just the competition; it’s an adventure for the whole family. From the cultural riches of the Perez Art Museum to the lush expanses of the Everglades, Miami offers an array of activities that extend the triathlon experience beyond the race. We highlight the city’s cosmopolitan allure, with its rich Cuban and Latin American influences, making it an ideal destination to blend sport with travel. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Mark’s stories and find out why supporting diverse race venues like Clash can add an exciting new dimension to your triathlon journey.

Unlock the secrets to race day success with Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation! Transform your race execution strategy and achieve your personal best without increasing your training volume. Learn from Coach Patrick's journey through eight Ironman races before qualifying for Kona and discover the pivotal lessons that made the difference. This episode is your roadmap to smarter, more strategic racing, focusing on the crucial elements of nutrition, pacing, and meticulous planning. Get an insider look at our comprehensive race execution course designed to help athletes craft a detailed race plan. Coach Patrick explains how writing and rehearsing your race plan can embed it into your memory, ensuring you make intelligent, on-the-fly decisions when it counts the most. Say goodbye to the cycle of endless training and hello to a well-executed race strategy that can propel you to new heights. Tune in to elevate your racing strategy and hit those ambitious goals!

Get ready to transform your endurance journey as Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation reveals the secrets behind our unique European training camps. Learn why shifting from a performance-driven mindset to one of exploration and enjoyment can vastly enhance your athletic experience. From breathtaking rides to cultural immersion, discover how our camps offer a refreshing alternative to the typical, high-pressure race preparation.  In this episode, I unpack the key lessons learned from hosting four incredible camps this year and explain why they could be the best investment for your fitness in 2024. Hear firsthand accounts of the camaraderie, the serene landscapes of Spain, Italy, and France, and the exhilarating feeling of achieving a state of Zen on your bike. If you’re ready to trade rigid schedules and stress for adventure and fun, this episode is your gateway to an unforgettable training experience.