The Full Distance

40 Episodes
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By: Performance Project Media

Go The Full Distance is the podcast for triathletes who live and breathe Ironman.Hosted by Matt and Dave, this show is all about Triathlon the highs, lows, and everything in between — from brutal training weeks to race day, mental battles to gear chat, and all the dumb events endurance athletes keep signing up for.If you're chasing finish lines, weekly long runs, and the kind of pain that makes you feel alive… you'll feel right at home here.New episodes weekly. Swim. Bike. Run. Talk sh*t. Repeat.

#Ep 6 | Young Guns, Banned Shoes & Cam’s Crazy Training Blocks
#6
Today at 6:00 PM

In Episode 5 of The Full Distance Podcast, Matt and Dave dive into the wildest stat of the year: Ironman sign-ups are exploding, and nearly 40% of new athletes are under 30. What does that mean for the sport? Is it a blessing or a curse for longevity?

From there it’s straight into controversy — Hayden Wilde’s banned shoes, whether the drama even matters, and why he deserves more credit for his comeback than criticism. Plus, the boys can’t help but fanboy over Cam Wurf’s monster training weeks and debate how long the 42-year-old can keep swinging with the b...


#Ep 5 | 2025 Men's Ironman World Championship Recap
#5
Last Monday at 6:00 PM

Less than 24 hours removed from the 2025 Men’s Ironman World Championship, Matt and Dave sit down for a bonus episode of The Full Distance Podcast to break down what might have been the best race in recent years.

From the swim dynamics with Jamie Riddle and Sam Laidlow, to the fireworks on the bike, to Casper’s lightning-in-a-bottle marathon, the boys give their raw take on the action — plus a few rants on the broadcast, commentary, and Ironman’s future direction.

Also inside:
– Kona vs Nice: which is better for athletes vs fans?
...


#Ep 4 Who Wins in Nice? Our 2025 Men’s World Champs Preview
#4
09/11/2025

Episode 4 of The Full Distance Podcast goes a little rogue. Matt kicks things off with a hypothetical: if you were wrongly sentenced to 10 years in jail, what three items would you bring to survive? From pillows to hidden phones to running laps in the prison yard, the boys take it way too seriously.

Then it’s back to triathlon talk — stolen bikes in Copenhagen, Ironman’s messy handling of it, and the money (or lack of) in the pro field. The chat finishes with world champs predictions and a few passionate rants about Ironman’s broadcasting failures.

...


#Ep 3 | From Addiction to Obsession: How Matt Became an Ironman
#3
09/04/2025

In Episode 3 of The Full Distance Podcast, it’s Matt’s turn to share his journey. From Michelin-star kitchens in Europe to battles with addiction, depression, and starting over from scratch, this is the raw story of how endurance sport became a lifeline.

Matt opens up about the rock bottom moment that forced him to walk away from cooking, how triathlon gave him purpose, and why he’s now obsessed with chasing the elusive sub-10 Ironman while building Australia’s fastest-growing endurance coaching community.

Also inside:
– Life in Michelin-star restaurants (and the toxic cult...


#Ep 2 | From 125kg to Ironman: Dave’s Journey
#2
09/04/2025

In Episode 2 of The Full Distance Podcast, it’s all about Dave. Just 18 months ago, he was 125kg, battling poor mental health, and living a sedentary lifestyle. Fast forward to today — he’s an Ironman finisher, ultra-marathon trainee, and co-host of this show.

Dave opens up about the turning points, setbacks, and the crazy leap from Couch to 5K → straight to Ironman. Matt digs in to highlight the lessons, the struggles, and why this journey is anything but “normal.”

Also inside:
– The “line in the sand” moment that changed everything for Dave
– Why discipl...


#Ep 1 | Welcome To The Full distance
#1
09/04/2025

Description
Welcome to the very first episode of The Full Distance Podcast! Formerly known as The Triathlon Lab, this rebranded show brings a fresh new format: two mates, plenty of banter, and all things endurance.

In this kickoff, Matt and Dave share why the old show took a pause, why they decided to bring it back in a new way, and what you can expect moving forward. Think less “lecture-style coaching” and more real conversations between two athletes deep in the world of triathlon.

Also inside:
– The story behind the re...


#40 | Is He The BEST Swimmer In Ironman? | Sam Askey-Doran
#40
03/03/2025

In this engaging conversation, Matt Butler and Sam Askey-Doran discuss Sam's journey through triathlon, including his recent bike accident, race experiences, and the challenges of transitioning from swimming to triathlon. They delve into nutrition strategies, the significance of hydration, and the mental resilience required during races. Sam shares insights from his record-breaking swim at Kona and the support he receives from coaches and sponsors. The conversation wraps up with a look at Sam's future goals and upcoming races, emphasising the importance of community and support in the sport.


Host - https://www...


#38 | The Sub 10 Diaries | Part 1
#39
02/27/2025


In this episode, Matt Butler discusses the evolution of his podcast format, transitioning from guest interviews to solo episodes focused on his journey to complete a sub 10 hour Ironman. He shares insights on his training goals, the challenges of coaching changes, and the importance of mental health in endurance sports. The episode also delves into the mathematical approach he takes in decision-making regarding coaching and training, emphasizing the need for a coach who aligns with his goals. Matt wraps up by inviting listener engagement and sharing future plans for the podcast.


Host...


#37 Dan Barry | Inside Elite Age Group Racing
#38
02/17/2025

In this conversation, Matt Butler and Daniel Barry discuss Daniel's experiences leading up to and following the Ironman World Championship in Kona. They explore the challenges of training, the impact of family dynamics, the pressure of performance expectations, and the importance of finding enjoyment in the sport. Daniel reflects on his training adjustments, the decision to skip the Taupo race, and the balance between competition and family life. The conversation emphasizes the need for age group athletes to manage their training effectively while maintaining a healthy mindset.


Host - https://www.instagram...


#36 Blake Parker
#37
02/03/2025

In this conversation, Blake Parker shares his journey into triathlon, reflecting on his recent race experiences, training philosophy, and future aspirations. He discusses the importance of self-coaching, the balance of swim, bike, and run training, and the strategies he employs for nutrition and hydration during races. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of efficiency in training and the value of community support in the sport.


Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www...


#35 | The Return Of The King | Clayton Fettell
#36
01/22/2025

In this conversation, Matt Butler and Clayton Fettell discuss the evolving landscape of triathlon coaching, the impact of technology on performance, and the dynamics of age group racing. They explore the importance of personalised coaching strategies, the significance of recovery, and the necessity of being fat adapted for optimal performance. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by professional athletes and the competitive nature of the sport.

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https...


Im Back
#35
12/16/2024

In this episode, Matt Butler discusses his journey through mental health challenges, the impact of sponsorship issues on his podcast, and his plans for rebranding and revitalising the podcast. He emphasises the importance of curiosity and experimentation in his content creation, leading to the introduction of 'The Triathlon Lab' as the new podcast name, focusing on peak performance and community engagement.

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
...


#33 - David Simmons (Road To Ironman)
#34
08/15/2024

In this conversation, Matt and Dave discuss Dave's journey to training for his first Ironman. They talk about the challenges and questions that arise during the training process and the importance of consistency. They also touch on nutrition and the need to fuel properly for training sessions. Dave shares his experience transitioning from a calorie deficit to fueling for performance and the trial and error involved in finding the right nutrition timing. They also discuss the importance of having a supportive partner and how they navigate balancing training with work and personal life. In this conversation, Dave and Matt...


#32 Chloe Hartnett
#33
08/08/2024

Chloe Hartnett discusses her sponsorship with Wheat Bix and her journey in triathlon. She shares how she got into triathlon after excelling in running and swimming as a child. Chloe talks about her training schedule, including swim squad sessions, long runs, and bike workouts. She emphasises  the importance of consistency and enjoying the sport. Chloe also mentions the challenges of balancing training, racing, and recovery, and the need to listen to her body. She discusses her power output during races and the competitiveness of female triathletes. Chloe Hartnett discusses her experiences in triathlon, including her fears of blowing up during a...


#31 Hamish Longmuir
#32
07/12/2024

In this conversation, Matt and Hamish discuss Hamish's recent training and racing experiences. They talk about the challenges of training in cold weather, the durability of bikes, and the impact of injuries on performance. Hamish shares his journey through the triathlon development program and his transition to professional racing. They also discuss the importance of swimming technique and the intensity of transitions in races. In this part of the conversation, Matt and Hamish discuss the intensity of triathlon races, particularly the swim and bike portions. They talk about the high pace and the physical demands of the sport. They...


#30 Guy Crawford
#31
07/03/2024

This is a race debrief between Matt Butler and Guy Crawford. They discuss the build-up to the race and the main takeaways from their training. They talk about the importance of volume and the challenges of balancing training with other life commitments. They also discuss the need for regular swimming and the progress made in the bike training. They reflect on the mental aspect of training and the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome. They also discuss the challenges of peaking and finding the right intensity for Ironman-specific sessions. Overall, they highlight the importance of...


#29 - Race Review Ironman Cairns
#30
06/20/2024

In this episode, Matt Butler provides a review of his personal experience participating in the Cairns Ironman. He discusses his preparation leading up to the race, his mental health struggles, and his confidence in completing the race. He shares his swim start strategy and the challenges he faced during the swim. He then talks about his bike leg, where he initially felt strong but later experienced difficulties with nutrition and dehydration. Despite these challenges, he made the decision to keep going and finish the race. Matt reflects on his Ironman race and discusses his performance in each leg of...


#28 Daniel Barry
#29
06/14/2024

Daniel Barry discusses his recent race at Port Macquarie, his training strategies, and his upcoming race at Kona. He reflects on his performance at Port Macquarie, highlighting the swim as an area for improvement. He also discusses the importance of bridging the gap on the bike and the tactics he uses to stay competitive. Daniel shares his training approach, including high-volume weeks and specific workouts. He also discusses his taper strategy and the adjustments he made after Ironman New Zealand. Looking ahead to Kona, Daniel plans to train in a shed with a sweat tent and use core body...


#28 Bonus Episode (Running Deep Podcast)
#28
05/24/2024

The conversation explores the experiences of Matt Butler, a former chef in the high-pressure world of Michelin-star restaurants, and his journey through addiction and mental health challenges. The discussion touches on the intense and competitive nature of the hospitality industry, the prevalence of drug and alcohol use among chefs, and the toll it takes on mental health. Matt shares his personal struggles with addiction and the realization that he needed to make a change. The conversation also delves into the parallels between the high-pressure environment of the kitchen and Matt's current pursuit of a sub-10 hour Ironman triathlon. Matt...


#27 Launching Tri Camps Australia
#27
05/17/2024

Go Follow Tri Camps on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricamps_aus/
Check out the camps -
https://www.tricamps.com.au/

Tri Camps Australia is a triathlon-based training camp company that offers athletes the opportunity to train with elite-level coaches and pros in stunning locations across Australia. The camps provide a comprehensive experience, including fully inclusive accommodation, chef-prepared meals, airport transfers, and access to sports dieticians and strength and conditioning experts. The camps are designed for athletes of all skill and fitness levels, with scalable sessions...


#26 Pete Brown - You are an Ironman!
#26
05/14/2024


In this conversation, Matt Butler interviews Pete Brown, who recently completed his first Ironman. They discuss Pete's overall experience, including his anxiety leading up to the race, his fears about the bike portion, and his surprising struggles during the run. They also touch on the importance of consistency in training and the sacrifices Pete made to balance his training with family life. Matt Butler reflects on his experience training for and completing an Ironman triathlon. He discusses the challenges of balancing training with family life and work, the importance of being present when not training, and the impact...


#25 Gus MacDonald
#25
04/19/2024

Gus MacDonald, a competitive rower turned triathlete, discusses his journey in the sport and his goals for the future. He reflects on his transition from rowing to triathlon and the importance of structure and goal-setting in his training. Gus shares his experience racing in the age group category and his aspirations to compete in the professional field. He highlights the influence of his coaches, particularly Steve McKenna and Tim Reed, in shaping his approach to training and racing. Gus emphasizes the need for patience and consistency in pursuing his goals. In this conversation, Gus MacDonald and Matt Butler discuss...


#24 Sydney Performance Lab Pt2 V02 & Lactate Testing
#25
04/11/2024

In this episode, Matt and Claire discuss the results of Matt's pre-season testing at the Sydney Performance Lab. They talk about the importance of training in the correct heart rate zones and the common mistakes people make in their training. Matt shares his surprise at the discrepancy in his training zones and how he had been unknowingly training in zone three too much. Claire explains the goals moving forward, which include building Matt's aerobic base and focusing on heart rate training. They also touch on the importance of using a heart rate strap for accurate training zone monitoring. The...


#23 - I Get Interviewed! Addiction, Mental Health & Triathlon
#24
03/27/2024

Matt Butler shares his journey from addiction to triathlon and how the sport has transformed his life. He started as a chef and struggled with addiction and mental health issues. After hitting rock bottom, he decided to turn his life around and started his own ready-made meal business. Eventually, he sold the business and committed himself to training for an Ironman. Matt emphasizes the importance of setting audacious goals, visualizing success, and putting in the work to achieve them. He also highlights the significance of zone two training, time on the bike, and proper nutrition in triathlon. This conversation covers...


#22 - My reaction to PTO - T100 Miami
#23
03/12/2024

In this solo podcast episode, I shares my thoughts and feedback on the PTO T100 Miami event. I emphasises that while he appreciates the PTO's efforts to improve triathlon, there is still a long way to go to achieve mainstream success. Matt discusses the need for better broadcast quality, engaging commentary, transparency in athletes' training, and the use of data to enhance the viewing experience. He also suggests improvements in the crowd atmosphere and preparation for night races. Overall, Matt believes that implementing these changes can make a significant difference in the future of triathlon.

Takeaways<...


#21 - Samantha Staines - Sports & Performance Dietician
#22
03/05/2024

In this conversation, Matt and Sammy discuss their experiences and lessons learned in 2024. They explore different fueling strategies, including the introduction of semi-solid food and protein. They also discuss the concept of isotonic solutions and the importance of balancing self-fueling with aid station options. Finally, they touch on their body composition goals and the importance of finding the right balance for optimal performance.

We discuss body composition and its importance for endurance athletes. It explores the ideal body fat percentage for endurance athletes and the benefits of having less body fat. The conversation also touches on the...


#20 - Simon Cochrane - Ultraman World Champion
#21
02/26/2024

Simon Cochrane, the current Ultraman world champion and world record holder, discusses his journey to Ultraman and the challenges he faced along the way. He shares how he transitioned from triathlon to Ultraman and the mindset required to compete in these extreme endurance events. Simon also talks about his training approach, nutrition plan, and the importance of mental toughness in pushing through physical limits. He reflects on his race experiences, including breaking records and surprising competitors. Simon's success has made him a favorite in the Ultraman community, and he looks forward to competing in the Hawaii World Championships. Simon...


#19 - Guy Crawford Pt2 - Ironman Coaching, What you want Vs What you need
#20
02/12/2024

Summary

The conversation covers topics such as tapering, building a foundation, balancing fun and performance, managing expectations, setting time goals, dealing with setbacks, building consistency, learning from mistakes, the importance of time, training with a purpose, and the simplicity of training. In this part of the conversation, Matt and Guy discuss setting realistic goals, the Ironman block, building a team, and training for Ironman Cairns. They also touch on the importance of volume and intensity in bike training. In this conversation, Guy Crawford provides insights into optimizing training volume for swimming, running, and...


27 Years As A Professional Ironman
#19
02/05/2024

A special episode with my Ironman coach Guy Crawford. Guy has been a professional athlete for 27 years and has experienced just about everything you can in this sport.

A good chat with a good mate. 

you can find Guy at 
https://gkendurance.com/
or 
https://www.instagram.com/guyrcrawford/

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
Website - https://www...


Vo2 & Lactate Testing (Sydney Performance Lab)
#18
01/29/2024

This conversation dives into the topics of VO2 max and lactate testing. It explores the importance of VO2 max for both performance athletes and lifestyle athletes looking for longevity. The conversation also covers the drop-off and build-up of VO2 max, the accuracy of VO2 max measurements, and factors that affect VO2 max. It provides insights into building VO2 max through different training phases and the importance of communication between coaches and athletes. Additionally, it explains the role of lactate in energy production and the process of lactate testing. In this conversation, Claire Paterson discusses the importance of understanding lactate...


Effortless Swimming with Brenton Ford
#17
01/22/2024

Summary In this conversation, Matt Butler interviews Brenton Ford, the founder of Effortless Swimming, about his journey in the swimming space and his approach to coaching adult swimmers. They discuss the importance of starting swimming at a young age and the advantages of swimming effortlessly. Brenton shares his experience working with triathletes and the satisfaction of helping them enjoy swimming. They also delve into the challenges faced by adult swimmers and the common mistakes they make. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the difficulty of translating running technique to swimming. In this conversation, Brenton Ford from Effortless Swimming...


Race Series Ep 3 - Caleb Noble - Ironman W.A / Challenge Canberra
#16
12/22/2023

Summary

Caleb Noble reflects on his recent races at Challenge Canberra and Ironman WA. He discusses his race strategy, recovery process, and mental preparation for each event. Despite facing challenges and making mistakes, Caleb remains motivated and focused on improving as a professional triathlete. In this conversation, Caleb Noble discusses his experience during an Ironman race and the mental challenges he faced. He shares how he pushed through mental barriers and maintained his pace during the bike ride. Caleb also talks about his running strategy and the importance of nutrition. He reflects on...


Race Series Ep 2 - Matt Burton - Ironman W.A
#15
12/20/2023

Matt Burton discusses his recovery from illness and injury, including battling gastro and COVID. He shares his experience of being called up last minute to PTO in Singapore and the challenges he faced in preparing for it. Matt also talks about his race strategy and performance, as well as his plans for future races. He reflects on the importance of family support and the impact of sponsorships on his career. Finally, he discusses his transition to a new bike sponsor and his experience at the Melbourne race. Matt Burton discusses his preparation, training, and performance at Ironman Busso. He...


Race Series Ep 1 - Matt Butler Ironman W.A
#14
12/16/2023

In this solo podcast episode, Matt Butler provides a breakdown of his Ironman WA 2023 race and his failed sub 10-hour attempt. He emphasizes that his goal is to go from zero triathlon experience to becoming a professional triathlete in five years. Matt discusses his pre-race preparation, including his carb-loading strategy and the challenges he faced in getting to the race location. He shares his thoughts and emotions throughout the week leading up to the race. Matt then goes into detail about the swim leg, bike leg, and the decision he made on the run to adjust his pace and...


Not so marginal gains
#13
12/12/2023

Declan Irvine is a professional cyclist and CDA tester.

If you are a triathlete or cyclist this is the episode for you

We deep dive into

life as a pro cyclisttraining schedulesracingCDA testing (aero testing)best gains you can make to your set up for no $$$

Get in touch with Declan via instagram for CDA testing or bike questions 
https://www.instagram.com/notsomarginalgains/
https://not-so-marginal-gains.square.site/

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_p...


The Yin and Yang Of Emotions in athletes
#12
11/29/2023

Xavi D...what can I say about this man!

Xavi is not the usual style of guest we have on the podcast, and that's exactly why I invited him. His thoughts on emotions, passions, and trauma are completely opposite to how I process these things. I wanted this podcast to challenge my way of thinking.

I wanted Xavi to question my beliefs and make me reflect on myself from a different perspective. And he did.

This was a truly unique conversation, back and forth, and even though it's different, I think you'll really...


Driven To Succeed, An Ironman On The Rise
#11
11/21/2023

Caleb Noble is a professional triathlete working his way though the ranks of the international circuit.

This episode was an unreal, Caleb is a very unassuming bloke but as we dove deeper into his story this ferocious mindset that is obsessed with improvement quickly showed its self. Do yourself a favour and listen to this episode

Check out Calebs Instagram here 
https://www.instagram.com/calebnoble95/

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
C...


Dietician Approved: Nutrition 101 for triathletes
#10
11/14/2023

Taryn Richardson AKA Dietican Approved is an Advanced Sports Dietician who specialises in optimising the nutrition of age group triathletes and has worked alongside Triathlon Australia consulting on the nutrition of Australia's elite athlete. 

Nutrition can be complicated! But that doesn’t mean you need to struggle trying to figure it out yourself.

Taryn takes a no-BS approach to teaching you what to eat and when to get the most out of your HEALTH and PERFORMANCE.

You can’t out train a bad diet. We can teach you how to eat for your level...


Triathlon Nerd Out: The Art Of Coaching Age Group Athletes To Success
#9
11/06/2023

Coach Clayton, is an ex professional triathlete competing in both short and long course races for over 15 years. Since his retirement Clayton has transitioned into full time coaching and truly excelled.

We had a real triathlon nerd out! and his passion for the sport across all levels really comes across, it was a truly enjoyable conversation. 

During this conversation we nerded out on a number of topics 

How Tough Is Kona!Ironman world champs recap/overviewThe challenges of coaching different styles of people/athletesWhy/How to use data to make you a be...


Eating To Win: The Ultimate Race Day Meal Plan For Endurance Athletes
#8
10/30/2023

This is a special episode, I am bringing on a key member of my team, My sports dietician Samantha Staines. Sam has been crucial in the progress made in my performance this year since joining the team 6 months ago. So we thought let's take advantage of this and put everything we have mastered over the last 6 months into a podcast for you. 


In this episode, we dive into the importance of nutrition for athletes on race day. Join us as we explore the ultimate meal plan that can fuel your body for optimal performance. From pre-race b...