In this episode, Coach Ken discusses the essential aspects of marathon preparation, focusing on the final weeks leading up to race day. He emphasizes the importance of trusting your training, understanding the marathon distance, tapering effectively, and preparing mentally for the race. The conversation also covers pacing strategies, fueling logistics, and the significance of maintaining a positive mindset during the marathon. Coach Ken encourages runners to appreciate the journey and the hard work they've put in as they approach their race day.

takeaways

• Trust your training and come up with that pace plan.
• The marathon is a test of endurance on different levels.
• Tapering is crucial for optimal performance.
• Mental preparation is key to overcoming challenges.
• Break the race into segments for better focus.
• Fueling and hydration plans are essential for success.
• Pacing strategies should be tailored to individual abilities.
• Visualization can help ease race day anxiety.
• Encouragement from fellow runners can boost morale.
• Be grateful for the opportunity to run and push through pain.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Marathon Season

02:46
Understanding the Marathon Distance

06:00
The Importance of Tapering

08:50
Mental Preparation for Race Day

12:02
Pacing Strategies for Success

14:57
Fueling and Logistics for Race Day

19:59
Final Thoughts and Encouragement

keywords

marathon, training, tapering, mental preparation, pacing, fueling, race day, endurance, marathon season, Coach Ken

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In this episode, Coach Ken discusses the transition into marathon season and the importance of utilizing the winter months to build healthy habits. He emphasizes the significance of tapering before race day, the necessity of pacing plans for performance goals, and the mental aspects of long runs. Additionally, he reflects on off-season strategies and personal setbacks, encouraging listeners to focus on future goals and the journey ahead.

takeaways

• This is a time to build healthy habits.
• You're going to be three months ahead of them.
• It's a one day event that we're prepping for.
• A poorly executed race will still be a poor result.
• Trust the process.
• The 20 mile run is more of a mental component.
• You need to do that beforehand so that we can perform.
• Set a new standard at that distance.
• Keep bouncing life one mile at a time.
• It's time to focus on where you want to be next year.

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In this episode, Coach Ken and athlete Jack Walsh discuss Jack's journey to completing his first Ironman in Madison, Wisconsin. They explore Jack's athletic background, the training process, race day experiences, and the emotional highs and lows of the journey. Jack shares insights on the importance of structure in training, the challenges faced during the race, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with crossing the finish line. The conversation emphasizes the balance between training and life, and encourages listeners to pursue their own endurance goals.

Takeaways

• Jack's journey into endurance sports began during COVID.
• He transitioned from running to triathlons due to knee issues.
• Ironman marketing inspired Jack to pursue the challenge.
• Structured training helped Jack progress from injury to Ironman.
• Confidence in training led to a positive race mindset.
• The swim was mentally challenging but rewarding.
• Transitioning between events is crucial for performance.
• The bike course was hilly and challenging but enjoyable.
• Jack maintained a strong pace during the run despite fatigue.
• The finish line experience was surreal and fulfilling.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Journey

01:24
Jack's Athletic Background and Transition to Triathlon

05:17
Choosing Ironman Wisconsin

06:57
Training Structure and Overcoming Injuries

10:36
Training Progress and Life Balance

12:08
Building Confidence for Race Day

16:04
Race Day Overview and Conditions

19:10
The Swim Experience

22:40
Transitioning to the Bike

25:08
The Bike Course Experience

25:43
The Thrill of the Race: Spectating and Course Overview

29:01
Navigating the Bike Course: Challenges and Strategies

30:52
Transitioning to the Run: Preparing for the Final Leg

33:16
The Run Begins: Overcoming Initial Challenges

36:15
Fueling the Run: Strategies for Endurance

37:29
Pushing Through: The Mental Game of Endurance Racing

40:20
Crossing the Finish Line: The Emotional High

44:05
Reflections on the Journey: What’s Next?

48:15
Balancing Life and Training: The Sacrifices Made

51:17
Words of Wisdom: Encouragement for Aspiring Athletes

Ironman, triathlon, endurance sports, training, race recap, athlete journey, coaching, motivation, personal growth, fitness

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In this conversation, Coach Ken discusses the excitement and preparation for race week, focusing on Ironman events. He addresses the common feelings of pre-race fatigue and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's training and prioritizing recovery. Ken shares insights on pacing strategies for race day and the significance of maintaining a balanced training approach. He reflects on his personal coaching experiences and looks ahead to future opportunities in the coaching world, encouraging athletes to stay focused and motivated as they approach their races.

Ironman, race week, pre-race anxiety, pacing strategies, recovery, coaching, athlete preparation, training balance, mental preparation, endurance sports

Takeaways

• It's Ironman week, full distance 70.3 coming in hot.
• You're done. There's nothing else you can do.
• It's almost like an overtraining hangover.
• Trust your training, prioritize recovery.
• The taper blues are real.
• The more masterfully an athlete can pace their race, the closer they're going to get to their full potential.
• Every workout has a reason.
• I could tell you what this athlete is training for right now.
• It's going to be pretty awesome.
• Stay safe, stay healthy, keep balancing life one mile at a time.

Chapters

00:00
Race Week Excitement and Preparation

06:11
Managing Pre-Race Anxiety and Fatigue

12:40
Pacing Strategies for Race Day

17:37
Reflections and Future Plans

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Join Coach Ken as he dives into the exhilarating peak season for athletes and coaches. Discover the strategies and insights that fuel success during this critical time, from mastering the taper to visualizing race day triumphs. Whether you're gearing up for an Ironman or a fall marathon, this episode offers valuable tips and motivation to keep you on track. Tune in to learn how to balance training stress with life stress, and embrace the journey of continuous improvement. #PeakSeason #AthleteLife #CoachingSuccess

YouTube Video Link - https://youtu.be/KwfRaXhMZrM

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YouTube Video Link https://youtu.be/t-5tzxA3OS8

This short epsidoe brings up the topics of:

-How Data Collection can createw confidence in your training

-What to do when your vacationing during training

-Things to consider when choosing a longer distance

-Some Random Thoughts and Motivation!

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“Picture this: you’re weeks away from your big race. You’ve logged months of training, but now you’re wondering, ‘How do I make sure I’m at my best on race day? And how will I hold that goal pace when the pressure’s on?"

Get ready to crush your next race with our deep dive into peaking, tapering, and nailing your race pace! In this episode, we break down how to optimize your training to hit peak performance, master the art of tapering to arrive fresh and strong, and execute a smart pacing strategy to hold your goal pace on race day. From practical tips like race-pace workouts and carb-loading to mental tricks for staying focused, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re running a 5K, marathon, or triathlon, this episode answers the big question: “How will I hold my race pace when it counts?” Tune in for actionable advice, listener Q&A, and motivation to cross the finish line strong. Share your race goals with us on X using #RaceReady!

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