That Triathlon Life Podcast
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
Nick's Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon Race Recap, chasing validation vs. personal excellence, and more!
This week Nick races the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon for the first time. We do a full race recap, answer Instagram questions from listeners who followed along, and discuss whether the steep price tag is actually worth it. Eventually we also got to our classic listener submitted questions.
This week we discussed:
Nick's Escape from Alcatraz race recap: the jump off the ferry, 57° Bay swim, iconic bike course, and sand ladderInstagram Q&A: thermal cap vs. booties, TT bike vs. road bike, and what crime would have landed you in AlcatrazIs the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon w...Unbound XL, renting a triathlon bike, open water panic attacks, and more!
This week we kicked things off with Eric's experience crewing for Heather Jackson at Unbound XL, 350 miles of gravel, mud, and racing through the night. Josh Amberger also made a stunning gravel debut with a fourth-place finish, and we had some thoughts on that. Then we went through listener questions. We also talked the Escape from Alcatraz donut run, compression shorts, and the best perks of being a pro athlete (or pro athlete adjacent). This week we discussed:
Eric supporting Heather Jackson at Unbound XL and Josh Amberger's surprise fourth-place finishWhat it's like when podcast listeners know more...Full Ironman fears, 32 inch wheels, triathlon heat training, and more!
This week we almost didn’t manage to record a podcast between travel, family visits, birthday celebrations, and Eric leaving at 5 a.m. to film Heather Jackson at Unbound XL, but skipping wasn’t an option. So instead, we went full rapid-fire mode and packed in as many listener-submitted questions as possible. We also talked fast helmets, Escape From Alcatraz, questionable podcast comments, and the latest TTL merch drop. This week we discussed:
Aero vs ventilation for Xterra helmetsBalancing triathlon obsession with actually being present in life32 inch wheelsRevisiting old races vs constantly chasing new challengesReturning to fitness afte...Paula races IM 70.3 Chattanooga, developing triathlon mental toughness, and more!
This week we hear all about Paula’s experience racing through the highs and lows of IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga, but not before hearing Nick’s trail running adventures in Maui, Hawaii, and getting an update from last week’s mysterious Mr. Smith. When we finally got to listener questions, we discussed:
Washing your sweaty cycling helmetRiding with someone who’s always pushing the paceMaking parts of training intentionally harder to build mental toughnessA big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporte...
Sherpa-ing a pro triathlete, ERG mode vs. free ride mode, and more!
This week we’re gearing up for Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga as Paula Findlay prepares to race this weekend. She also brought us a challenging Swim Sets With Paula before we dove into listener questions.
This week we covered:
Sherpa-ing Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga for a pro triathleteTraining alone vs. training with friendsAdjusting swim sets from short course to long courseForbidden love between triathlon club membersHow strictly athletes should follow coach-made plansSunscreen during racesERG mode vs. free ride mode on the trainerKeeping young triathletes excited about the sportIs there a perfect gravel tire?When 70.3 training starts to feel like too mu...Tire size for cycling vs triathlon, bilateral breathing for triathletes, and more!
This week we tackle some of the best listener questions we’ve gotten lately, including:
How to eat before an early morning sessionWhy swimming creates such strong friendshipsTire size for triathlon vs cyclingWhat events like Whiskey Tango Fondo are actually likeWhen to replace cassettes, chainrings, pedals, cleats, and moreBilateral breathing in swimmingHow sponsorships actually work for pro athletesDealing with neck pain in triathlonFinding balance between marriage and triathlon trainingA 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...
Is Strava Toxic? Upgrade components or entire bike? Workout hype song
This week we got sidetracked with 2-hour marathons, trail running, photography, and more before finally diving into some Bike Tech with Eric and answering your listener questions.
On this episode:
What it takes to switch from mechanical to electronic shiftingDoes equipment quality actually matter for training?How to find the right triathlon coachCan paddles hurt your swimming?Building a healthy relationship with StravaSolving leaky gogglesChoosing the right shoes for the Bachelor Ascent 50kWhat to do when air quality gets badOur hype songs for a first marathonA big thank you to our podcast supporters who...
Triathlon swim sighting technique, Age-group drafting, and more!
This week, Eric and Paula talk about balancing training as professional athletes while taking care of three dogs at home. They discuss:
Fads they’re avoidingBlisters: socks vs. shoesSafety in USA Triathlon racesHow to stay cool during a hot raceRelationships between two elite triathletesAge-group draftingSighting techniques for front-of-the-pack swimmersHow long to wait for a no-show date at a run clubWireless shifters on a vintage frameA 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
TT position adjustments for triathlon racing, Strava vs joy, and more!
This week the crew is 1/3rd Cajun as Nick is recording from New Orleans. We started with some Bike Tech With Eric, chatted about Paris-Roubaix, and then moved onto 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
Is shaving weight off a triathlon bike really worth it, and more!
This week Eric and Paula toughed it out and battled through sickness to make sure we got an episode out in time. We kicked things off with a Swim Sets with Paula, briefly covered the Tour of Flanders, and then moved on to listener-submitted questions. This week we discussed:
Shaving weight off the bike, only to add four 1-liter bottles in a raceOur imaginary dream triathlon productWhen the juice is, or isn’t, worth the squeeze in triathlon racingHow Eric attaches SRAM blips to his barsHow to act and react when other runners look great on courseCan breathwork re...IM 70.3 Oceanside recap, when to train on your TT bike, and more!
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 triathlonsA 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!
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!
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:Â
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
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!
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 cyclistA 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
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 streaksA big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To...
Triathlon training in Tucson AZ, elite age group racing, and more!
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 logisticsA 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!
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!
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!
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!
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!Â
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
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!
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 childrenA big thank you to our...
Racing the T100 Final, Pro Camaraderie, and Performance Debates
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 NickA 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!
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!
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 athletesA 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!
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 raceA 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!
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
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 racingA 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!
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 workoutsA...
Cold Marathons, triathlon strength training, and more!
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!
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 prosA big...
Eric races Kodiak 50K Ultramarathon, bike setup for Ironman 70.3 World Championship Marbella, and more!
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 solutionsA big th...
Eric ramps up to race a UTMB qualifier, guest appearance from pro triathlete Jackie Hering, and more!
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!
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!
This week we dive into some intense topics, Â 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!
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 syndromeA big thank...
Nick becomes an IRONMAN, Eric gets ready to race his first Swimrun, and more!
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 worldA 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!
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 storageA 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!
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...