Fitter Radio Triathlon Podcast

Australian Professional Triathlete Grace Thek shares the highs and lows of her professional triathlon career and her current journey towards recovery from an L5 vertebrae stress fracture. Grace’s story is one of dedication and determination demonstrated by the challenges she’s faced and overcome in her growth as a professional triathlete. A notable part of our conversation was her struggle with imposter syndrome and how she has built her confidence and belief over the past year. Looking ahead, Grace is hopeful and excited about the future. She’s looking forward to the 2024 season and the opportunity to compete in the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Lake Taupo. Tune in to hear more about Grace’s inspiring journey. LINKS: Follow Grace on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gracethek/

Guest Dr Chiel Poffe discusses his research on ketone bodies and their role in response to exercise and training. Topics include the effects of ketones on performance, energy intake, appetite, and sleep. The hosts also discuss the recent departure of Joel Filliol from Triathlon Australia and the upcoming Paris Test Event.

Dr. Sam Shepherd is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Nutrition at Liverpool John Moores University. Mikki and Bev discuss his work on the effects of the blackcurrant supplement CurraNZ on athletic performance. We share excerpts from Mikki’s interview with Dr Shepherd where he talks about the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and how it helps to improve both fat oxidation and adaptations in muscle-related substrate metabolism. Lastly in our Coaches Catch-Up Bev and Tim review the weeks racing and share some VO2 workout ideas. (0:07:37) – Competition for a pair of ULTRO Earbuds (0:08:00) - INFINIT Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ (0:08.15) – CurraNZ – The benefits of this blackcurrant supplement and its role in improving athletic performance. Plus use the code MIKKI for a 25% discount off your first order. (0:10:52) – Dr Sam Shepherd on HIIT and the benefits of CurraNZ on performance and recovery (0:28:17) – Simon Cochrane takes the win at Ultraman Canada in a record-breaking time (0:31:50) – Coaches Catch-up with Bev and Tim. LINKS: ULTRO Earbuds at https://www.ultroaudio.com/ Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at  https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ Note: For the code to work you need to have created an account and be logged in. CurraNZ at https://curranz.com/ Follow Dr Sam Shepherd on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SamShep_ExSci Mikkipedia Episode ‘Exploring the Mechanisms and Effects of CurraNZ - Dr Sam Shepherd’ at https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/168/transcript More about Hexis at https://www.hexis.live/ Follow Simon Cochrane on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cochranesimon/ PTO US Open at https://protriathletes.org/events/pto-tour/us-open/pro/ WTCS Sunderland at https://sunderland.triathlon.org/ Superior performance improvements in elite cyclists following short-interval vs effort-matched long-interval training at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31977120/ Optimizing Interval Training Through Power-Output Variation Within the Work Intervals at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336641479_Optimizing_Interval_Training_Through_Power-Output_Variation_Within_the_Work_Intervals High-intensity decreasing interval training (HIDIT) increases time above 90% VO2peak at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-020-04463-w

This week on the podcast we chat to Michael Rand, winner of the free race entry to IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney. Bevan and Tim discuss the Thomas Steiger doping ban and drug testing in sports.  Jack Moody debriefs us on his race at Alpe d’Huez and the strength of French triathlon. We share Vincent Luis’s interview where he reflects on Tokyo 2020 and looks ahead to Paris 2024. (0:07:48) – Michael Rand, winner of the free race entry to IM703 Western Sydney (0:16:43) - INFINIT Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ (0:24.03) – The French Triathlon Scene (0:27:46) – Gustav Eden won’t be at the Paris Test Event (0:31:09) – Vincent Luis from Down the Blue Carpet. (0:49:50) – We chat to Jack Moody post his race at Alpe d’Huez Triathlon. LINKS: IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney at https://www.ironman.com/im703-western-sydney Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at  https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ Note: For the code to work you need to have created an account and be logged in. Follow Jack Moody on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jacktmoody/ Alpe d’Huez Triathlon at https://www.alpetriathlon.com/ Vincent Luis interview at https://www.triathlonlive.tv/down-the-blue-carpet Follow Vincent Luis on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vincentluistri/ More about the Thomas Steger doping ban at https://www.tri247.com/triathlon-news/elite/thomas-steger-pro-triathlete-ban-wada-code Paris Test Event at https://www.triathlon.org/events/event/2023_world_triathlon_test_event_paris

This week on the podcast Bevan and Mikki discuss the use of CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitors) for athletes plus we share an excerpt from Mikki’s full interview with Amy Lee Bowler, PHD Candidate, Sports Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian. Bevan and Tim catch up on the racing plus we share Taylor Knibb’s interview on her plans to combine a road cycling racing calendar with her existing triathlon career. (0:10:42) – Kirsty Wood – Coffee Club member and winner of a free race entry to IM703 Sunshine Coast. (0:16:26) – Competition for a free race entry to the iconic Noosa Triathlon! (0:17.02) – Bevan and Mikki discuss the use of CGMs for athletes – are they useful? (0:20:06) – Excerpts from Mikki’s interview with Amy Lee Bowler (0:42:33) - INFINIT Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/    (0:43:29) – Bevan and Tim catch up on the racing (0:58:44) –Taylor Knibb has recently signed with Trek-Segafredo to combine a road cycling racing calendar with her existing triathlon career. She shares insight into Olympic ambition in both sports at Paris 2024. LINKS: Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ More about the IM703 Sunshine Coast at https://www.ironman.com/im703-sunshine-coast More about the Garmin Noosa Triathlon at https://noosatri.com.au/ Mikki’s full interview with Amy Lee Bowler at https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/142 Taylor Knibb interview at https://www.triathlonlive.tv/down-the-blue-carpet Follow Taylor on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/taylorknibb/ More about the PTO Tour Milwaukee at https://protriathletes.org/events/pto-tour/us-open/pro/

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Philip Hurst, former middle-distance runner and current academic from the School of Psychology and Life Sciences at Canterbury University. We discuss the intriguing world of the 'placebo effect', its negative counterpart - the 'nocebo effect' and their impact on sports performance. Drawing from his research and experience, Dr. Hurst shares the significance of these effects in the medical world and how they have the potential to shape athlete performance. We probe the mind-body connection and its influence on performance plus Dr. Hurst elaborates on how coaches and athletes can harness this connection for their own benefit. Lastly we explore the brain mechanisms involved in the placebo effect and how technology could potentially help us understand these mechanisms better, plus we look at the power of positive conversations, hypnosis and cognitive techniques in boosting athlete performance.  LINKS: Dr Philip Hurst’s review “The Placebo and Nocebo effect on sports performance: A systematic review” at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31414966/ Follow Dr Philip Hurst on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Phil_Hurst1

Dr Alannah McKay is a post-doctoral fellow and researcher in the field of iron metabolism, immune system health and also diet manipulation. Bevan and Mikki discuss Dr McKay’s work in sports nutrition and the impact of low carb availability on iron metabolism. Plus we share excerpts from Mikki’s full interview with Dr McKay on Mikkipedia. Dr Philip Hurst is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Life Sciences at the University of Canterbury. Bevan and Tim discuss Dr Hurst’s work into the placebo and nocebo effect on sports performance. (0:04:25) – Competition for 12 months free access to HEXIS (0:04:43) – The IRONMAN Oceania season pass is back and this year they’ve added races in Asia too! (0:06:01) - INFINIT Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/    (0:06.53) – Bevan and Mikki discuss Dr Alannah McKay’s work in sports nutrition and the impact of low carb availability on iron metabolism. (0:09:49) – Excerpts from Mikki’s interview with Alana McKay (0:28:06) – Bevan and Tim discuss Dr Philip Hurst’s work into the placebo and nocebo effect on sports performance. (0:36:09) – Excerpts from our upcoming full interview with Dr Philip Hurst out tomorrow. LINKS: Hexis at https://www.hexis.live/   More about the IRONMAN Oceania Season Pass at https://www.ironman.com/season-pass-oceania-asia   Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/    Follow Dr Alannah McKay on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MckayAlannah Listen to Mikki’s full interview with Dr Alannah McKay at https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/152 Dr Philip Hurst’s review “The Placebo and Nocebo effect on sports performance: A systematic review” at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31414966/ Follow Dr Philip Hurst on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Phil_Hurst1

We’re delighted to welcome back to the show European and World Champion Non Stanford. After an incredibly successful racing career spanning more than a decade Non bowed out of racing and transitioned into her role as asst triathlon coach at British Triathlon’s Performance Centre in Leeds. We chat about Non’s decision to retire at the peak of her career, her experiences working with world class coaches like Joel Filliol, Malcolm Brown, and Jack Maitland, and the journey that led her to becoming a world champion. We also reflect on the tough competition she faced from the likes of Annie Haug and Gwen Jorgensen, and her strategies to prepare for these challenges. Non shares her experience of competing in the 2018 European Championships, the emotional and physical demands of racing after the Commonwealth Games, and her surprise victory. We also discuss her transition to a coaching role at Leeds Triathlon Centre whilst still competing, and how she now manages her time between coaching and keeping herself fit. Lastly we touch on the importance of female coaches in sport and how Non has brought a unique perspective to the coaching team. She also shares her views on the simplicity of the Leeds training program, the complexities of managing athletes and the pressures of performing at the Olympic Games. LINKS: British Triathlon at https://www.britishtriathlon.org/ Non Stanford on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nonstanford/   

Maurten have released The Bicarb System – ‘An advanced sports fuel designed to help athletes push the boundaries of effort and power during high-intensity exercise’. Dr Sam Impey of Hexis gives us his thoughts on the role of Sodium Bicarbonate in training and/or racing. We share excerpts from Coach Joel Filliol’s podcast episode ‘The Triathlon Swim Revisited” and review his advice on improving your swimming. Plus we discuss Professional Triathlete Non Stanford’s decision to retire and her transition to coach with British Triathlon and bring you excerpts from our upcoming interview with Non out tomorrow. (0:01:44) – Andrew Messick’s retirement from IRONMAN (0:06:52) – Competition for a set of ULTRO Earbuds (0:07:07) - INFINIT Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/    (0:09.48) – Sodium Bicabonate: Is there a place for it in our racing and/or training (0:10:49) – Dr Sam Impey – Sodium Bicarbonate (0:34:23) – We bring you excerpts from our interview with Non Stanford MBE out tomorrow. (0:50:38) – Improving your swimming. We share audio from Joel Filliol’s podcast and discuss his thoughts around swimming. LINKS: ULTRO Earbuds at https://www.ultroaudio.com/ Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/    British Triathlon at https://www.britishtriathlon.org/   Non Stanford MBE on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nonstanford/      Dr Sam Impey on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SamImpey_    Hexis at https://www.hexis.live/   More about the Maurten Bicarb System at https://www.maurten.com/products/bicarb Joel Filliol’s podcast at https://realcoaching.libsyn.com/21-triathlon-swimming-revisited

Dr Emma Mosley is a senior lecturer in sport psychology in the Department of Sport Science and Performance. She is an active researcher within psychophysiology and sport performance, with a particular specialism in heart rate variability. In this episode we discuss the mind-body connection and how it can be harnessed to optimize athletic performance. How perception, threat and appraisal play a role in the stress process and how this impacts our physiological reactions in sports. We learn more about the power of heart rate variability (HRV) as a tool for measuring stress responses and improving athletic performance. Plus the significance of monitoring HRV trends over time, comparing your own baseline, and the connection between HRV and psychology, the vagus nerve, and the parasympathetic nervous system. We also look into interventions like cold water immersion and their effectiveness in improving HRV. Finally we explore the benefits of slow paced breathing. Dr. Mosley teaches us how to adjust inhalation and exhalation ratios for optimal results, and shares how this practice can benefit overall wellbeing, improve sleep quality, and sports performance. LINKS: Follow Dr Emma Mosley on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Emma_Mosley   PerformHIV at http://www.performhrv.com/ A scoping review of heart rate variability in sport and exercise psychology at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1750984X.2022.2092884 Other publications by Dr Mosley at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Emma-Mosley-3