Most of us define ourselves by the training plan, the race on the horizon, the number pinned to our chest. But what happens when that’s gone — through injury, retirement, or just life getting in the way?

In this episode, Simon and Beth dig into the messy subject of identity in sport:

• Are you still an athlete without an event to aim for?
• Is identity shaped by how we see ourselves, or how others see us?
• Why it’s vital to build interests beyond swim, bike, run.
• Practical ways to navigate transitions and protect your sense of self.

A conversation every athlete will face sooner or later.

Resources & Links:

Check out this blog post which explains The Change House model

• Models on managing change (including The Change House). Links in show notes.

Coming up soon: Episodes on fasting, and why so many runners notice a decline in their 50s (and what you can do about it). If you have questions, please share them with us.

Battle Ready reminder: WE DON'T RUST, WE RISE!

Connect with Us

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a training buddy or leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss upcoming episodes on fasting, midlife performance drops, and more awkward questions from Beth.

Check out my Instagram and YouTube channels

Join the BattleReadySociety - For those who want to be ready for anything — adventure, challenge, life. Get in early and be first in the fight.

https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadyvanguard

Join the Unstuck Collective – for Beth’s weekly inspiration and coaching insights (not a chat group; replies welcome via DM).

Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle

Connect with Us: Website: www.simonward.co.uk

Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com

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💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com — and you might just hear it on a future episode!

In this week’s episode, Simon and Beth broadcast from Istanbul, fresh from Simon’s attempt at the iconic Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim. Covering 6.5km from Asia to Europe, this unique race combines history, strategy, and a little bit of chaos. Beth puts Simon in the hot seat to find out what the experience was like, what really happened with the current, and how his Battle Ready approach allowed him to take it on without changing his regular training.

They also look back at Simon’s recent 218km gravel ride across Salisbury Plain, discussing how consistency, strength training, and sustainable routines can keep you prepared for big adventures—whether you’ve got three months’ notice or just a week.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The history and logistics of the Bosphorus Swim, including how to qualify and what makes it so different from a normal open-water race.
• Why navigation and currents are just as important as fitness on race day.
• The reality of swimming among thousands of jellyfish—and why they weren’t as scary as expected.
• How Simon’s regular three-times-a-week swim routine (plus strength and mobility) was enough preparation.
• Reflections from a 218km gravel ride: pacing, heat, cramp, and the importance of being “always ready.”
• Why Battle Ready training is less about huge training blocks and more about building a consistent lifestyle.

Get a feel for the event by watching this video Bosphorous Cross Channel swimmers guide

Connect with Us

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a training buddy or leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss upcoming episodes on fasting, midlife performance drops, and more awkward questions from Beth.

Check out my Instagram and YouTube channels

Join the BattleReadySociety - For those who want to be ready for anything — adventure, challenge, life. Get in early and be first in the fight.

https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadyvanguard

Join the Unstuck Collective – for Beth’s weekly inspiration and coaching insights (not a chat group; replies welcome via DM).

Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle

Connect with Us: Website: www.simonward.co.uk

Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter

💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com — and you might just hear it on a future episode!

In this episode, Simon and Beth explore one of the most common (and misunderstood) challenges in long-term endurance training: motivation.

Why do some people train consistently, even without a race on the calendar, while others need the pressure of an event to get out the door? Is one approach better than the other? And how does motivation evolve as we age?

With Beth firmly on Team Extrinsic and Simon on Team Intrinsic, this episode dives into a light-hearted but deeply useful discussion around how to stay consistent — especially when your goals change or life gets in the way.

🧠 Topics Covered

• The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in endurance sport
• How your “why” changes over time — and why that’s OK
• Coping with the post-race flatness and loss of direction
• The power of habit, routine and process goals
• How injuries, illness, and life stress affect motivation
• Tips for staying active when you're short on time or feeling low
• The role of coaching, journaling, and accountability
• Why motivation isn't always the answer — and what matters more
• Beth’s honest take on racing, training, and getting out in British weather
• Why ageing athletes need to rethink their long-term goals

Key Takeaways

• Motivation will come and go — but habits, routines, and a strong “why” will keep you moving forward.
• You don’t always need a race — you need a rhythm that supports your life.
• Tracking small wins (like consistency streaks or journaling progress) builds real momentum.
• Whether you're aiming for performance or long-term health, staying Battle Ready is about showing up — imperfectly, but persistently.

Listener Poll

Are you Team Intrinsic (like Simon) or Team Extrinsic (like Beth)? Vote on our Instagram stories or drop us a message with your take!

Connect with Us

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a training buddy or leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss upcoming episodes on fasting, midlife performance drops, and more awkward questions from Beth.

Check out my Instagram and YouTube channels

Join the BattleReadySociety - For those who want to be ready for anything — adventure, challenge, life. Get in early and be first in the fight.

https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadyvanguard

Join the Unstuck Collective – for Beth’s weekly inspiration and coaching insights (not a chat group; replies welcome via DM).

Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle

Connect with Us: Website: www.simonward.co.uk

Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter

💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com — and you might just hear it on a future episode!