The TriDot Triathlon Podcast

300 episodes of The TriDot Triathlon Podcast have come and gone, and while we can't recount EVERY lesson hosts Andrew Harley and Vanessa Ronksley have learned, we picked our top 20 takeaways. We scoured all the nutrition episodes, the coaching wisdom and even the skill-specific episodes to find the best tips. From choosing the right run shoes, to improving your swim, eating enough protein, and even when NOT to train, Andrew and Vanessa recall it all. This episode is guaranteed to remind you of some very important lessons in triathlon that we hope you remember for the next hundred episodes!

We're back for another episode where our triathlon coaches answer YOUR questions! IRONMAN World Champions Mark Allen and Craig "Crowie" Alexander jump into the hot seat on this round-robin, rapid-fire episode! Learn tips for balancing training with life activities, riding strong when you train outside, and how to breathe while swimming in cold water. Listen in as the coaches teach us what we can learn from the pros and how to keep our heart rate down during a race start. They also discuss the infamous question of body hair and drag. This episode has a tip for everyone!

Getting faster doesn’t come through just training harder. Your recovery plays a crucial role in becoming a stronger athlete. This week triathlon legend Michellie Jones joins the podcast to share her 6 rules for recovery that will benefit your performance. From the importance of prioritizing sleep and nutrition to using recovery tools and technology. Michellie shares what she tells her athletes and even reminds us to "master our mobility minutes" as an insurance policy for our body. This episode is packed full of recovery wisdom that will translate to free speed come race day!

The Wildflower Multisport Festival is the "Woodstock" or "Coachella" of triathlon. Where the Countryside of California hosts a weekend endurance festival with triathlon, running, open water swimming, and so much more! After a hiatus, Wildflower returned in 2025 and TriDot was there in a big way! Host Vanessa Ronksley brings Coaches Ryan Tibball, Kurt Madden and Brandy Ramirez to the podcast to break down the epic weekend. They discuss everything from the course to the comradery and even share their favorite stories from the weekend. This podcast episode will make you want to be the first to sign up for...

With our bodies needing the perfect amount of fuel, fluids, and electrolytes to thrive on race-day, plenty can go wrong with our nutrition intake while on course. Coaches Jasmine Moezzi and Kathy Ward-Hudson join the podcast to help us troubleshoot the seven most common nutrition issues athletes may face during their race. From dehydration and cramping to catching up if you fall behind on your fueling, we cover it all! This episode will help ease those race-day fears of getting all your nutrition in so that you can focus on the other three disciplines and have an amazing race!<...

With the run being the final leg of a triathlon, your body and brain are fatigued with plenty of miles still to go. Numerous things can go wrong trying to reach the finish line. Coach Chris Navin brings his coaching and racing experience to the podcast to help us troubleshoot the eight most common issues athletes may face during the run. From injuries and aches to brain fog, nutrition, and GI issues, we cover it all! This episode will help ease those race-day run fears and help you confidently finish your race!

Since the bike leg is the longest part of a triathlon, plenty can go wrong while out on course. Coach Kurt Madden brings his coaching and racing experience to the podcast to help us troubleshoot the seven most common issues athletes may face during the bike portion of the race. From mechanical and tech failures to nutrition and the saddle discomfort, we cover it all! This episode will help ease those race-day bike fears and help you have a confident ride in the saddle.

Even though the swim is the shortest part of a triathlon, plenty can go wrong as you make your way through the water. Coach Joanna Nami brings her coaching and racing experience to the podcast to help us troubleshoot the seven most common issues athletes may face during the swim portion of the race. From goggle and wetsuit issues to anxiety and the effects of water temperature, we cover it all! This episode will help ease those race-day swim fears and help you have a confident swim split!

Running on tired legs is a big time reality of triathlon training and racing. Triathlon Legend Mirinda "Rinny" Carfrae and running Coach Bobby McGee join the podcast to share all their wisdom for running strong while fatigued. Our Coaches will offer cues for holding proper run form even while tired and will provide tangible tips for strengthening your legs in training. Rinny and Bobby will touch on the importance of cadence and share their own personal stories and experiences. This episode is packed with knowledge and tips to keep your legs spinning during your next long run!

Ice baths, cryotherapy, cold showers (and more) are the new "it" thing for recovery. But does sports science actually support cold water as a positive body stimulus? Physical Therapist Dr. B.J. Leeper and Triathlon Coach Ken Presutti plunge into the podcast to share the benefits of cold water immersion. From the anti-inflammatory perks to body temperature regulation, and even boosting your metabolism, there are multiple reasons to get chilly in your training week. Our experts break down the appropriate temperature, give advice on how long to stay cold, and even discuss the importance of shocking your system. You'll...

Racing a triathlon relay is a great way to mix up your race season, practice one specific discipline, and have fun along the way! Coaches Ben Sommerville and Ryan Tibball join the podcast to explain the most common relay formats and how to best race them. From selecting your teammates to split pacing and transition tips, Ben and Ryan coach us through it all. This episode will have you ready to grab some friends and register for a relay adventure!

A crucial touch point between a triathlete and their bike are the pedals and footwear that get those wheels moving! Coaches Jeff Raines and Ben Sommerville join the podcast to cover the essential info regarding bike shoes, cleats, and pedals. From running shoes and platform pedals to cycling shoes and clipless pedals, our coaches explain the pros and cons of the most common set ups. They'll break down what to look for when purchasing footwear and even how to put your cycling shoes on as quickly as possible. Whether you are new to cycling or an experienced triathlete, our coaches...

Triathletes famously LOVE to train and tend to neglect rest and recovery. Properly resting our body is just as vital to triathlon performance as our training. Today Coaches Matt Sommer and Jason Verbracken join the podcast to help us get rest days right. Answering questions like “Do we actually need rest days?” And “what are signs our body needs a rest day?” After this episode you'll be ready to rest as hard as you train!

Are you interested in tangible tips to improve your swim? Triathlon legend Michellie Jones and Coach Brandy Ramirez join the podcast to share six big time swimming tips for every triathlete. They stress the importance of proper technique and the benefits dry land exercises. Michellie and Brandy also discuss working on your open water skills as well as training with purpose EACH swim session. These six tips will have you ready to start your next race strong and confident!

Are you interested in tangible tips to improve your cycling? Triathlon legend Craig "Crowie" Alexander and Coach Chris Navin join the podcast to share six big time cycling tips for every triathlete. They break down the importance of a proper bike fit and explain the benefits of high and low cadence training. Crowie and Chris also share tips for strength and mobility as well as wisdom for working on your bike handling skills. These six tips will have you ready to rock the longest leg of your next race!

Are you looking for tangible tips to improve your run? Triathlon legend Mirinda "Rinny" Carfrae and Coach Jeff Raines join the podcast to share six big time running tips for every triathlete. They break down purchasing the correct shoe for your specific feet and explain the benefits of training on tired legs. Rinny and Jeff also share tips for training your gut as well as the importance of run drills. These six tips will have you ready to rock the last leg of your next race!

Have you ever left for your run and your watch battery was dead? Or gone for a group ride to notice your bike computer is still at home? Did it ruin your workout? If so, have no fear - Coaches Ryan Tibball and Will Usher join the podcast to break down training without technology. We have become so connected to our training gadgets that something will inevitably go wrong, and we need to know how to proceed. From intentionally training without your watch to tips for salvaging your workout when things malfunction, and even understanding the importance of listening to...

When considering adding a race to your calendar, what variables should factor into your decision to register? Or to pass? Coaches Raya Usher and Ken Presutti join the show to present the five questions you should ask before adding a race to the calendar. They'll discuss ways to lay out your season calendar and help you think through the "why" behind each race you add. From the logistics (budget and timing), to finding the perfect course (do you want a challenge or a course that aligns with your strengths) and even finding seasonal success. This conversation hits the essential question...

As the fourth discipline of triathlon, triathletes are very intentional with race day nutrition. But what we put into our bodies day-to-day has a much bigger impact on our overall health. Today, 6X IRONMAN World Champion and legendary coach Mark Allen shares his six rules for daily nutrition. He discusses the importance of nutrient dense foods, why to avoid added sugar, selecting quality protein, and even which oils to avoid! After this conversation Mark will have you motivated to up your daily nutrition game!

Since assessment workouts serve as a benchmark of your current fitness, it is crucial to perform your best in these training sessions. TriDot Coaches Matt Sommer and Elizabeth James join the podcast to break down everything you need to know for your next assessment week. We'll discuss the importance of fitness benchmarking as well as mental strategies and practical tips to increase your performance. Matt and Elizabeth will provide pacing strategies and suggestions for overcoming test anxiety; all aimed at equipping you to nail your next round of assessments!

While long course requires stamina, short course racing involves a lot of power and speed! Two-time short course National Champion and TriDot Coach Ben Sommerville joins Coach Ryan Tibball on the podcast to emphasize the importance of building speed before your next short course race. From the timing of fueling and proper form and technique, to powering through those tough training sessions, and even the value of brick workouts, Ben and Ryan break down each discipline and provide tips on how to become more powerful in each sport.

IRONMAN training certainly takes some time, but it doesn't need to take over your entire life. It's possible (and important) to balance training with your regular commitments and priorities. This week, IRONMAN U Master Coach Michellie Jones and TriDot Coach Jeff Raines join the podcast to debunk all the time commitment myths about training for long distance triathlon. From how far out to start training, to maximizing the workouts that fit into your schedule, Michellie and Jeff tackle all the burning questions. If you are on the fence about taking on the training time needed for IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3, this...

Success in triathlon training and racing can be just as much mental as it is physical. You devote numerous hours to swimming, biking, and running to train your body, but what are you doing, if anything, to develop your mind? Can your mindset truly impact your performance results? On today's episode, mental skills coach Bobby McGee and triathlon coach Elizabeth James discuss this, and more! Join the discussion about the role emotions play in race preparation, combatting anxiety and nervousness, and employing practices such as visualization. This episode may be the key to help you unlock your performance potential through...

Building a strong body is essential for sustaining triathlon success. This week strength savvy Coaches Matt Sommer and Elizabeth James walk us through the benefits and best practices for triathlon strength training. Building strength is more than just lifting heavy weights - it's also mobility, stability, and recovery. From walking into the gym for the first time, to advanced tactics for experienced athletes, our coaches have you covered with gym going wisdom! Even if you don't have access to fancy equipment or facilities Matt and Elizabeth will talk all about training at home. Even giving a glimpse into their weekly...

Whatever address you call home, where you live presents challenges and opportunities for your training. Whether you live in the heart of a major city or the remote countryside, at high elevation or at sea level, or even somewhere flat versus somewhere hilly, you have to adapt to get the most out of your training. Coaches Will Usher and Tony Washington bring their tips for training where you live. They'll talk through how to train if you don't have access to a pool, how to properly execute a session in the hills, and even how to balance staying indoors versus...

When the triathlon race season comes to a close triathletes enter what has traditionally been called the offseason. Thankfully all this time off from racing doesn’t mean we have to take time off from improving our fitness. Today, coaches Brady Hoover, Jeff Raines, and Ryan Tibball share how to make the most of your offseason. They’ll discuss extra rest and recovery, focusing on a single discipline, tweaking your nutrition approach, strengthening your body, refining technique and so much more! Listen and learn how to turn your offseason into a preseason.

We're back for another episode of answering YOUR questions! TriDot coaches Jeff Raines, Elizabeth James and Jenn Reinhart are in the hot seat on this round-robin, rapid-fire episode! Learn how to ease back into training after injury, incorporating more strength work to your workout schedule, and tips for open water swimming when open water isn't nearby. Listen in as the coaches talk about tubeless vs. tubes, different types of bike cleats, and planning your schedule as you jump to a longer distance race. They also discuss how to keep your triathlon gear clean (and not smelly!). This episode has a...

For the last two years The TriDot Triathlon Podcast has ended the show with a tip from a TriDot coach. Today we celebrate our 100th coach cool down tip! Vanessa Ronksley joins Andrew Harley to look back on her favorite recordings. From what Vanessa tells herself everyday to the tip that is really ten tips, we recall some of the best cooldowns over the last hundred episodes. We discuss identity, training the mind alongside the body, and pre-race wisdom for you to crush that upcoming event! All one hundred cool downs were valuable, so we recommend you listen to every...

Do you know how to dial in your training zones for each workout? Have you mastered how zone 4 pace feels in the water or zone 2 heart rate feels on a run? An athlete's fitness is constantly changing so therefore the the feel of each training zone will change as well. This week Coaches Jeff Raines and Ryan Tibball join the podcast to discuss the importance of training at a variety of paces and share their coaching secrets to developing a feel for each different intensity. Jeff and Ryan break down each sport and provide drills to improve the feel of...

Inspired by popular demand, we proudly present the official 2024 TriDot Podcast holiday gift guide! Whether you are a new or seasoned athlete, getting new gear or replacing something old, our team has ideas for you! Coaches Brandy Ramirez and Chris Navin join Andrew Harley to share their favorite gift ideas for any athlete across multiple budget amounts. From stocking stuffers to bike upgrades, electronics, and even premium race experiences; after listening to this you will have a plentiful wish list!

A habit is a routine behavior that is often subconsciously repeated - and we all have good habits and bad ones. Today, Coach April Spilde and Coach Rich Soares join the podcast to share how to break away from bad tendencies and create positive behavioral patterns. Coach Rich shares some tips on how to translate this into your triathlon training while Coach April discusses how to rewire the brain to change your mindset. From minor modifications to your daily routine to adjusting your goals to be more tangible, April and Rich will leave you inspired to build good habits into...

When the holiday season ramps up it can be difficult for a dedicated triathlete to balance training with family time and seasonal celebrations. Coach Raya Usher and Coach Brady Hoover bring an abundance of holiday spirit and coaching wisdom to help us find the right balance. Brady shares his secrets to training while traveling while Raya reminds us to prioritize the most important workouts! You'll even hear some tricks on how to make your workouts fun, festive, and family friendly! Wherever you are, and whichever holidays you celebrate, Season’s Greetings from the TriDot Podcast.

Some triathletes enter the sport and exit relatively quickly. Others plug in and stay for a while. But then there are lifers, who start their triathlon journey and stay as long as possible. Fresh off of his 50th IRONMAN, Coach Kurt Madden joins Coach Jenn Reinhart to share how they have both stayed in the sport for almost 50 years. They’ll discuss strategies for keeping your body healthy, maintaining motivation to train, when to consider a seasonal break, and plugging into your local tri community. Through today’s conversation we hope you find the inspiration and know how to stay in t...

How do cheerleading, modern pentathlon, roller derby, and racing cars all connect to triathlon? In this episode, Coach Joanna Nami and Vanessa Ronksley talk to ten athletes who came to triathlon from different sporting backgrounds. From tennis to wrestling and even surfing, these athletes share their athletic experiences and provide wisdom learned along the way. What lessons carried over? What became a challenge to overcome? Listen in as our athletes provide specific moments in training and racing where their past sporting endeavors had an impact on triathlon.

If we told you that the triathlon legends of yesterday are teaming up to coach the legends of tomorrow, would you want to know more? Today on the podcast Mark Allen, Matt Bach, and Andrew Harley talk all about TriDot Legends, the TriDot subscription level where award-winning triathlon training meets guidance from triathlon's greatest icons so you can build your own legacy. Come learn what legends are involved and how this coaching collaboration will make your training experience legendary!

With more live race coverage, social media posts, and YouTube channels, you have better access to the lives and training secrets of pro triathletes than ever before. And while there are many things you can take from the tri life of the pros and apply to your own training and racing, there are other things that you shouldn't adopt. On today's episode, Ironman Champion Matt Bach and Pro Triathlete Elizabeth James discuss what things you should and shouldn't emulate. Listen in as they discuss racing at the elite level and the similarities and differences for training and racing that can...

Whether it’s on 4 wheels or two blades, Billy Monger was born to race. As a young race car driver, Billy lost his legs after a mid-race wreck. Today Billy is a professional Formula 1 broadcaster who is always looking for a new challenge. This week, Billy will attempt to break the World Record for a double amputee at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona and has been raising money for Comic Relief every step of the way. Joined by his coach, Will Usher, we learn how they prepared Billy for this big goal on the Big Island all while overcoming th...

With day to day triathlon training, it can be hard to enter every workout feeling strong and energized. On this episode, Coaches Elizabeth James and Ryan Tibball share their strategies for beginning every workout in a positive place. How is your body feeling? What is your personal ideal workout time? How dialed in is your nutrition and hydration? Are you getting enough recovery? All of these are important for maintaining energy levels. Elizabeth and Ryan cover all of this and more to help you start your next workout better energized!

Every triathlete dreams of a flawless build up to that big upcoming A-Race. But reality rarely delivers an obstacle free path to the finish line. Vanessa Ronksley's training for the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice was far from ideal. On today’s episode, her story serves as a case study for how one athlete and coach made necessary adjustments to the A-Race preparations. Vanessa recalls the range of emotions she felt throughout the training cycle, the race itself, and at the finish line while Coach Ryan Tibball spills the coaching secrets used to power her to race-day success! There is 1 we...

How do synchronized swimming, basketball, gymnastics, and hockey all connect to triathlon? In this episode, Coach Matt Sommer and Andrew Harley talk to eight athletes who came to triathlon from different sporting backgrounds. From rowing to figure skating and even equestrian, these athletes share their athletic experiences and provide wisdom learned along the way. What lessons carried over? What became a challenge to overcome? Listen in as our athletes provide specific moments in training and racing where their past sporting endeavors had an impact on triathlon. To commemorate National Podcast Day, we are excited to release our commemorative TriDot Podcast...