A full-distance triathlon is no small undertaking, it’s one of the most demanding challenges in endurance sports, requiring serious time, discipline, and mental grit. But for those willing to commit, the payoff is extraordinary. In this episode, legendary Coach Kurt Madden joins us to break down exactly what it takes to cross your first 140.6 finish line. From building your ideal support team (coaches, training partners, medics, and even bike mechanics) to choosing the right gear for both performance and comfort, Kurt shares practical, hard-earned advice every aspiring Ironman needs. We also dive into the power of smart planning: structuring your training calendar well in advance, understanding the value of professional coaching, and strengthening your mental game to stay focused (and adapt) when it matters most. With 53 full-distance finishes (and counting), Kurt brings unmatched experience and insight. This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you train smarter, race stronger, and achieve your biggest endurance goals.

70.3 grueling miles of swimming, biking, and running can feel intimidating, but it’s absolutely within reach. Fresh off his 12th 70.3 finish, Coach Ryan Tibball joins the podcast to share practical, proven tips for tackling your first (or next) middle distance event. Built around the mantra “nothing new on race day,” this episode dives into what you can dial in well ahead of time from choosing the right race and building a strong support system to studying the all-important athlete guide. In a distance where pacing and nutrition can make or break your day, preparation is everything. Learn how to practice your race-day strategy so there are no surprises when it matters most. Consistency is the real secret to success in a 70.3. Start your season with this episode, apply these insights to your training, and set yourself up to cross the finish line ready to celebrate everything you’ve accomplished.

What happens when the swim, the first leg of your race, gets cancelled? Fresh off their experience at IRONMAN 70.3 Little Elm, coaches Julie McPhilomy and Tony Washington dive into the reality behind a scenario some athletes dream about…and others dread. From unexpected changes in pre-race fueling to the mental shift required on race morning, they unpack how a cancelled swim can throw off your rhythm, emotions, and overall race strategy. They also break down the practical side: how pacing on the bike needs to adjust, what logistical challenges arise, and how to stay adaptable when race day doesn’t go as planned. With a mix of expert insight and personal stories Julie and Tony explore what really happens when the race you trained for suddenly changes and how to handle it like a pro.