That Triathlon Life Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: That Triathlon Life

Pro Triathletes Eric Lagerstrom, and Paula Findlay, team up with their friend and amateur triathlete Nick Goldston to hang out and answer questions about triathlon. https://www.thattriathlonlife.com

IM 70.3 Oceanside recap, when to train on your TT bike, and more!
#211
Last Thursday at 7:00 AM

This week we dove into our experiences at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, an epic race that always brings intensity and attention. We then moved on to listener-submitted triathlon questions. This week we discussed:

When to train if you're sickChoosing the right chainring for a strong cyclistHow much to train on a TT bike vs a road bike for triathlon vs road racingHow long cycling bibs lastCycling cadence and how to find the sweet spotHow to perform your best in same-day, back-to-back triathlons

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question...


IM 70.3 Oceanside race conditions, the Taco Bell 50km, and more!
#210
03/27/2026

Just the boys this week as Paula rests up to be at her best for IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside this Saturday. Eric and Nick riff through a stack of listener questions in a semi–rapid-fire episode, covering everything from van life and bike tech to wetsuits, motivation, the Taco Bell 50K, and more.

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlonLife.com/podcast


Triathlon training habits pros wish they had adopted earlier, upgrading your TT bike, and more!
#209
03/19/2026

This week we settled right into our usual selves, Eric caught us up on what he's been up to post-op, then we whipped out our brand new white boards and used them for a newer segment called Ranks Revealed, where we ranked our favorite sweet treats 1-10, before talking about some racing, and finally getting to listener submitted questions. This week we discussed: 

Learning how to truly push your limits without holding back in training and racingHow to structure training when using trails and mountain biking without reliable pace or powerOne training habit we wish we had adopted e...


Botox in triathlon, racing injured, and choosing the right time to race a full ironman
#208
03/12/2026

This week we kick things off with some running, cycling, and triathlon news from the LA Marathon, Strade Bianche, and Ironman New Zealand before doing our best to answer as many listener questions as possible. Halfway through we try out a new segment: The Newlyshreds. Let us know in the comments if you’re into it! Our questions this week brought us to discussing:

Racing the Ironman 70.3 World Championships while injuredOptimizing and clarifying how to qualify for WorldsWhat race shoes to wear when running loops on clay or dirtHow much time to wait after a 70.3 before racing a fu...


Triathlon training recovery tools, increasing swimming stamina, and more!
#207
03/05/2026

This week we kick things off with updates on Eric’s hip labrum surgery, then put him through a hip anatomy themed TTL Spelling Bee before diving into your listener-submitted questions. This week we discussed:

Building swimming stamina from sprint to Olympic distance racingOur favorite strength and recovery toolsTraveling internationally for a race: bike box or rental?Taking a leap of faithWhat shoes to race in on a golf course runRacing socksUsing a run background to make you a stronger cyclist

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a qu...


Moments before Eric heads into hip labral repair surgery
#206
02/26/2026

This week Eric tells us all about his hip labral repair surgery, recorded the very morning he heads into the operating room. He’s been dealing with this chronic injury throughout his triathlon career for nearly a decade and is finally getting it fixed. In addition to talking through the surgery, we also dove into some broader triathlon questions. This week we discussed:

The consequences of crashing on the bikeNavigating the pressure of body image in sportHow to use your arms while runningStrava streaks

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To...


Triathlon training in Tucson AZ, elite age group racing, and more!
#205
02/19/2026

This week Eric and Paula are recording from Tucson, Arizona. Escaping the Oregon winter, we started with some TTL updates, and a listener submitted This or That: Winter Olympics edition, before moving on to questions. This week we discussed:

Triathlon vs home life balancepre-race breakfast mealDoping and cheating in age group racingUsing only one fin to swimAdding an olympic eventIs spitting gross?How much faster are jammers than regular shortsTTL Camp logistics

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast...


*Live* podcast in Las Vegas from That Triathlon Life Base Camp!
#204
02/12/2026

This week we had a blast recording the podcast in front of a live audience of TTL campers in Lake Las Vegas. We opened it up to the crowd, letting them ask questions and steer the conversation wherever they wanted to take it.

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlonLife.com/podcast


Swimming long course meters for triathletes, exploding carbon wheels, and more!
#203
02/05/2026

This week we’re all together just outside of Las Vegas for the very first TTL Base Camp. We recorded the episode on handheld mics, so please forgive the sound quality, but we covered all kinds of topics as we rapid-fired through a stack of listener-submitted questions. Next week’s podcast will be recorded live with the Base Camp athletes, so be sure to tune in!


A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to T...


Ironman 20 meter draft zone rule change, TT bike position changes, and more!
#202
01/29/2026

This week we kick things off with a discussion about IRONMAN’s new 20-meter draft zone rule change and how it could impact racing. From there, we jump into a listener-submitted Shred or Bed before getting to your questions. This week we discussed:

How fast can the average Joe really get?Are higher hands worth it on a TT bike?How we think we’d do on a game showJust how laid back is XTERRA?How important body weight is to fitness and performanceTubeless tire air loss and the risk of unseating a beadEspresso machine recommendationsWhat to bring bike...


Triathlon training blocks, fitting B races into your season, and more!
#201
01/22/2026

This week we are once again all together in Bend, OR to record the podcast in person! We started by catching up on events since the 200th episode, Paula hit us with some Rapid Fire, and then we got into listener submitted questions! 

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlonLife.com/podcast


Episode 200! Celebrating and taking live calls from listeners
#200
01/15/2026

Make sure you watch this episode on YouTube!

This week we’re all together in Bend, Oregon recording our 200th podcast episode. For this milestone, we set up the cameras and did something a little different, calling podcast listeners live and letting them ask their most pressing triathlon questions.

More than anything, this episode is a thank you. Thank you for sticking with us over the years, saying hi at races, sending in questions, and sharing the stoke that keeps this podcast going. We’re incredibly grateful for this community and excited to keep building it t...


2026 Triathlon goals, snacks, dry land swim exercises, and more!
#199
01/08/2026

This week the band is back together in Bend, Oregon recording episode 199. We kicked things off with some holiday recaps, talked through a few 2026 goals, played a New Year–themed Shred or Bed, and then dove into listener-submitted questions. This week we discussed:

Snacks and breakfast ideas for triathletesHow Eric, Paula, and Nick became friendsIntentionally training in triathlon race orderKeeping the excitement alive and not normalizing or downplaying our accomplishmentsThe best dry-land exercises for athletes who don’t have access to a poolHow to nurture a love for triathlon in young children

A big thank you to our...


Racing the T100 Final, Pro Camaraderie, and Performance Debates
#198
12/18/2025

This week we hear from Paula about her experience racing the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final, along with a reflection on the T100 series as a whole. We then jump into a round of Good Gift / Bad Gift before getting to listener-submitted questions. This week we discussed:

Camaraderie among professional athletesWhen and why to use rollersCareer-defining moments in triathlon Supplements for endurance athletesIce baths and saunas for performance and recoveryEarly thoughts on 2026 swimrun plans for Eric, Paula, and Nick

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question f...


Running shoe rotations, TTL Devo athlete Lydia Russell, and more!
#197
12/11/2025

This week Paula is in Qatar, so Eric and Nick held down the fort until TTL Development Team athlete Lydia Russell joined for some fun. We started by talking about Alex Yee's incredible marathon in Valencia, outlined an exciting TTL training camp for early next year, and then got into questions. This week we covered:

• Our running shoe rotation
• What to do when your snorkel starts taking on water
• Gravel tire options for snowy conditions
• Racing 70.3s while training for a full Ironman
• How to get past a swimming plateau
• The correct number of ca...


Mental health among athletes, an interview with TTL Devo Team athlete Zack Cooper, and more!
#196
12/04/2025

This week we packed in a full-length episode plus an interview with TTL Development Team athlete Zack Cooper at the end. We discussed:

How personal safety has shaped race choices for Eric and PaulaHow often you actually need to replace a helmetWhat to do when your smart trainer starts reading way offThe minimum training load for a 70.3How Paula finds inspiration for her race kit designsSRAM blipsWhat feels worse: a DNF from your body or a mechanical?Mental health as athletes

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a...


Triathlon bike muscles vs road bike muscles, TTL Devo athlete John Reed, and more!
#195
11/27/2025

This week we are thankful for carbon bikes, carbon shoes, and that the pool is closed. We start out with a TTL Spelling Bee, a chat with TTL Development Team athlete John Reed about his year, his olympic hopes, and 70.3 dreams and then finally get into listener-submitted questions. This week we discussed:

Lap swim speed etiquetteThe Lever Movement treadmill systemPaula's favorite Castelli bibs"Road bike muscles" vs "TT bike muscles"If and when to drop out of a race

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for t...


T100 madness, training for your first 70.3, triathlon self coaching, and more!
#194
11/20/2025

This week Eric and Paula are training in Victoria, BC, so we get some travel stories before jumping into rapid fire and a batch of listener-submitted questions. This week, we discussed:

Have pros lost trust in the PTO/T100How often to do a spin-down on the Wahoo KickrHow often to re-wax a chain when it’s used exclusively on the trainerChristmas gift ideas for a young mountain bikerHow to fuel for a 50-mile road run as an Ironman athleteHow long a beginner needs to train for a 70.3Whether power pedals and their extra data are worth itSelf-coaching dur...


Paula races the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain
#193
11/14/2025

This week we talk about Paula's experience racing in Spain for 70.3 World Champs, and what it’s like to step off the course as one of the favorites. We also got to a few listener-submitted questions. This week we discussed:

Dealing with disappointing race results and rediscovering motivationTips for racing Escape From Alcatraz when traveling from EuropeEric’s plans to race triathlon in the futureWhat camera to use while riding the bikeSpiritual moments while training and racing

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and...


Marbella race prep, Ice Bandanas in triathlon, and more!
#192
11/06/2025

This week, somehow, all three of the crew are together in Spain. Nick hopped on a last-minute flight and made it just in time for a Wednesday night podcast recording. Paula was deep in Ironman 70.3 World Championship race prep, so it was just Eric and Nick on the mics this week, covering:

SRAM AXS front derailleur issuesStoring a TT bike for the winterRacing when racing has lost its lusterTraining outdoors after an accidentGaining confidence riding in aeroStaying entertained on long indoor ridesRiding an e-bike for fitness, is it possible?Ice bandanasBecoming carb-dependent during workouts

A...


Cold Marathons, triathlon strength training, and more!
10/30/2025

This week is our last episode together for a few weeks as Paula ramps up for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Marbella, Spain. We talked about Eric’s surprise UTMB qualification, recovering from sickness, and then dove into listener-submitted questions. This week we discussed:

Choosing the right cassette for your smart trainerHow much sealant to use in a tubeless tireManaging a warm-weather swimrun raceHow Eric and Paula's Wahoo KICKR Run is holding upCoping with a cold garage pain caveDressing for a cold marathonPicking out an engagement ring for triathletesBalancing biking and running when focusing on run racesStrength training: ho...


Triathlon swim speed work, recovering from big races, and more!
#190
10/23/2025

This week we talk triathlon, swimrun, racing, training, and more! We kick things off with an exciting announcement about a new TTL drop coming mid-next week, then dive straight into listener-submitted questions. This week, we discussed:

Speedos vs. jammersGoals for the rest of 2025What time of day (and how often) Paula swimsBest winter and snow activities to maintain run fitnessHow to wash a running hatMentally and emotionally approaching a race with bad memoriesHow to record swimrun on a GPS watchHow swim speed work should feelPost-race food traditions for the pros


A big...


Eric races Kodiak 50K Ultramarathon, bike setup for Ironman 70.3 World Championship Marbella, and more!
#189
10/16/2025

This week we hear all about Eric’s epic adventure racing the Kodiak 50k Ultramarathon, and all the ways it didn’t go to plan. After that, we got into listener-submitted questions and discussed:

Did this year’s Kona make Paula want to race Ironman more or less?The right bike setup for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in MarbellaUsing a Peloton or old trainer to build winter fitnessDrivetrain maintenance during a gravel stage raceWhat to look for when picking a new TT bikeHow far out to start heat training for a hot raceBest front hydration solutions

A big th...


Eric ramps up to race a UTMB qualifier, guest appearance from pro triathlete Jackie Hering, and more!
#188
10/09/2025

This week we barely had enough time to squeeze in a podcast recording with so much going on. We kicked things off with updates on Eric’s Fireflies Patagonia film, Team TTL sign-ups, Paula’s Junkyard Dogs podcast recording, Nick riding bikes with Jan Frodeno, and even a surprise guest appearance from pro triathlete Jackie Herring — all before diving into Bike Tech with Eric and listener-submitted questions.

This week on the TTL triathlon podcast, we discussed:

Flared handlebarsPlanning for trail conditions and safety in new placesFlynn’s favorite post-activity snackBike escorts for leaders in triathlon racesSwim paddles...


Paula wins IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta, how to spend $2,000, and more!
#187
10/02/2025

This week we catch up on Team TTL updates, congratulate John Reed on his podium finish at WTCS, and hear Paula’s race recap after her win at IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta. After catching up, we dive into listener-submitted questions. This week we discuss:

Where to place your mind when leading up to a new eventThe fun way to spend $2,000 a year in triathlonRemco, and how to deal with emotions when things go wrong during a raceOptimizing for comfortable sleepWhen to schedule your next IRONMAN if you feel like you didn’t give it your all



...


The heart of triathlon, goal setting, and more!
#186
09/25/2025

This week we dive into some intense topics,  from the ethics of racing as a pro in an amateur field, to the heart of triathlon, and how to reset expectations when goals slip out of reach. Things kicked off light with Bike Tech With Eric before getting into listener-submitted questions, including:

Paula’s plans to race her first IronmanWhere to mount water bottles for a 70.3Pros breaking tape at age group racesMeasuring watts without a power meterRe-setting expectations when goals become out of reachHow to navigate during a SwimrunBreathing during runningTransitioning from 70.3 to 50k trainingThe heart of...


Eric races his first Swimrun in Orcas Island, gravel running shoes, and more!
#185
09/18/2025

This week, Eric shares his epic experience winning his first-ever Swimrun race on Orcas Island, Nick recounts a series of unfortunate pre-race mechanicals, and we play a round of Date, Marry, Drop before diving into listener-submitted questions. Topics this week include:

Swimming with shoes on in Swimrun eventsFormer triathletes that Eric and Paula are still starstruck byPool toys and extras we bring to swim sessionsHow to practice open water swimming without open water accessManaging side stitches, shin splints, and blisters while runningSalomon gravel running shoesDealing, managing and healing IT band syndrome


A big thank...


Nick becomes an IRONMAN, Eric gets ready to race his first Swimrun, and more!
#184
09/11/2025

This week, Nick gets redemption for his Ironman Wisconsin DNF from 2022 and officially becomes an Ironman. We share some updates on Team TTL, give a preview of what Eric can expect in his first Swimrun race, and even get to some listener-submitted questions. This week we discussed:

Our favorite mid-day snacksJet lag and trainingRacing in buoyancy shorts instead of a wetsuitWhen to replace a tubeless tireOur favorite places to live and race in the world

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to...


Paula get's 2nd at the T100 French Riviera Triathlon, Team TTL unveil, and more!
#183
09/04/2025

This week we had an extra exciting episode. Paula gets into detail about her best-ever T100 finish, taking 2nd in the French Riviera. Eric also unveils Team TTL, and we even get to questions this week. Our topics included:

Who would win a 70.3: Ledecky, Pogacar, or Kipchoge?Picking between Ironman 70.3 Victoria and T100 VancouverUsing poles in ultra racingPaula's skin and hair care between sessionsHow we all deal with photo and video storage


A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to...


Heat training for cold triathlon races, protein shakes, and more!
#182
08/28/2025

This week Eric and Paula are living their summer dreams in France as Paula gets ready to race the T100 French Riviera. We talk through the race course, the age group race, and what life has been like in Fréjus, before moving on to listener-submitted triathlon questions. Topics this week include:

Smack talk in triathlonPicking a TT helmet without wind tunnel accessHow far up the road to look in a TT positionEric racing in hot conditions with a history of heat strokeThe most gratifying part of being a professional athleteWhen upgrading to carbon wheels is w...


Coached triathlon workouts, DNFs DNSs, and more!
08/21/2025

This week we are back to our classic TTL Podcast episode format, starting with some Bike Tech With Eric, some life updates, and answering listener submitted questions. This week we discussed: 

Tubeless tires for heavier ridersTire sealant with latex inner tubesWhat Eric writes on his hands during racesNutrition strategies for open water swimmingRunning through transition with your bikeOur most memorable DNFsDealing with motion sickness while swimmingIncorporating outdoor workouts into a coached training planHow to mentally approach pulling out of an A-race

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a qu...


Eric races Wy'ast 50K with 7k feet of climbing, running shorts, and more!
#180
08/14/2025

This week, Eric shares his 50k race at Wy’east with a full recap, and we answer listener-submitted triathlon questions, including:

Post-rainy ride routineWeekly massage — what actually gets worked onTips for supporting a first-time trail racerPeloton and live spin classesPrivate lap pool or private chef?Split shorts vs. half tightsAdult-onset swimming tips for a pro trail runnerTraining for running in a hilly locationHow important is cooling down?Race radios in triathlon

 


A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to be...


Measuring your current triathlon fitness, strictly sticking to workout times, and more!
#179
08/07/2025

This week we’re once again split across two continents, Eric and Paula in Bend, OR, and Nick in Girona, Spain. We kick things off with a teaser for Eric’s upcoming 50k ultramarathon, announce our TTL Strava Art winner, and then dive into listener-submitted triathlon questions. This week we discussed:

How to measure current fitnessPracticing for 180-degree turnsThe importance of sticking closely to workout timesSki touring setupsAquabikeRacing Athena/Clydesdale vs. age groupHow short is too short to race on a new TT bike




A big thank you to o...


Paula races IRONMAN 70.3 BOISE, performance plateaus, and more!
#178
07/31/2025

This week, we're recording from two continents. Eric and Paula are in Bend, OR, while Nick checks in from a DIY training camp in Croatia. We kick things off with an in-depth race recap from Paula’s 70.3 in Boise, Idaho, then roll into a Tour de France-themed TTL Spelling Bee, and finally dive into listener-submitted questions. Topics this week include:

What Eric and Paula would still optimize in their own trainingThoughts on the aquabike categoryBreaking through performance plateaus, mentally and physicallyWhether triathlon makes you tougher outside the sportManaging swim panic during a non-wetsuit race



Pool toys for triathlon swimming, professional race pacing, and more!
#177
07/24/2025

This week on the podcast, we cover a wide range of triathlon-related topics, gave away some premium headphones, played a round of Hot or Not, and dug into your listener-submitted questions. This episode, we get into:

How pros pace their racesIntegrated fuel and hydration setups on modern tri bikesConverting to a waxed chain and what to expectKey workouts for XTERRA-style off-road triathlonsTips for finding pools while travelingChoosing the right tire size for gravel ridingUsing Cat Ears to reduce wind noiseOur favorite go-to pool toysHow to prepare for racing early in the day



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Is Triathlon training and racing healthy? Plus T100 Lake Las Vegas cancellation, and more!
#176
07/17/2025

This week, the whole gang is back together recording in the same room in Bend, Oregon. We kick things off with a round of This or That, touch on the latest action from the Tour de France, and then dive into listener-submitted questions. Topics this week include:

Managing foot cramps on long ridesWhat we eat for lunchAre bigger goggles better?How often pros actually swap or replace their gearHydration beltsHow well pool fitness translates into open waterThe creative process behind scoring the film Look For Things Where You Can Find ThemHow to grow awareness and support for the...


New Ironman World Championship Qualifying System, Smart Goggles in Triathlon, and More!
#175
07/10/2025

This week we talk Challenge Roth, dive into what it takes to qualify for the Ironman World Championships (both full and half distances) and weigh in on Race Ranger. And that’s all before we even get into your listener-submitted questions. This week we covered:

Choosing the right gravel tiresAre smart goggles allowed in races?Swimming strokes other than freestyleIs it OK to move someone else's bike in transition?Understanding the emotional highs and lows of long-course racingCan heat really make your tires explode in transition?Random acts of kindness on race dayThe reality of healthcare for up-and-coming pr...


Triathlon brick runs, Crewing Western States Ultramarathon, and more!
#174
07/03/2025

This week, it’s back to business as we dig into your listener submitted questions. But first, we hear about Eric and Paula’s trip to crew for friend of the podcast Heather Jackson at Western States. We also cover some triathlon news, including a bold attempt at a sub 4 minute mile by a female athlete and the action at Ironman Frankfurt.

In the question segment, we discussed:

Doing brick runs in bib shortsSigning up for a 70.3 with budget gearCommon misconceptions within triathlonBikepackingShould you train with elastic laces?Disc vs deep wheels for 70.3 World Championships in Marb...


How long should you train for a 70.3 triathlon, picking the right wetsuit, and more!
#173
06/26/2025

This week, we dive headfirst into listener-submitted questions, starting with some Bike Tech with Eric on tire widths for older carbon rims. From there, it’s full throttle into all things triathlon. We discussed:

How to seed yourself in a swim when your strength is the bikeAre pro triathletes vomiting more these days?How much training time you really need for a 70.3Choosing the right wetsuit for your goalsCrafting the ultimate indoor pain caveTips for surviving a 5x supertriIs it worth shaving grams as a mid-pack age grouper?Can you use a triathlon wetsuit for surfing?


...


T100 Vancouver recap, swimming with a group in the pool, and more!
#172
06/19/2025

This week, we kick things off with an update from the TTL Development Team, followed by Paula’s recap of her race experience at T100 Vancouver. Then it’s on to your listener-submitted questions. We discussed:

Hats vs. sunglasses during a raceDoes swimming with others in the pool actually help?How to drink from a bottle while wearing a TT helmetUnderstanding swim effort using intensity zonesPassing mid-corner during a race on the bike

A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podc...