That Triathlon Life Podcast

This week we kick things off with a discussion about IRONMAN’s new 20-meter draft zone rule change and how it could impact racing. From there, we jump into a listener-submitted Shred or Bed before getting to your questions. This week we discussed:How fast can the average Joe really get?Are higher hands worth it on a TT bike?How we think we’d do on a game showJust how laid back is XTERRA?How important body weight is to fitness and performanceTubeless tire air loss and the risk of unseating a beadEspresso machine recommendationsWhat to bring bike shop mechanics as a thank you giftHow to judge whether an epic adventure is actually safe for youPaula’s favorite song and Nick’s favorite movieMassage guns: helpful or harmful?How retired athletes stay connected to their sportA big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlonLife.com/podcast

This week we are once again all together in Bend, OR to record the podcast in person! We started by catching up on events since the 200th episode, Paula hit us with some Rapid Fire, and then we got into listener submitted questions! A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlonLife.com/podcast

Make sure you watch this episode on YouTube!This week we’re all together in Bend, Oregon recording our 200th podcast episode. For this milestone, we set up the cameras and did something a little different, calling podcast listeners live and letting them ask their most pressing triathlon questions.More than anything, this episode is a thank you. Thank you for sticking with us over the years, saying hi at races, sending in questions, and sharing the stoke that keeps this podcast going. We’re incredibly grateful for this community and excited to keep building it together.Here’s to the next 200.To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlonLife.com/podcast

The hosts dive into their holiday highlights and set ambitious goals for 2026. They play a fun New Year's game while discussing triathlete snacks and breakfast ideas. The trio shares their friendship origin story and the importance of intentional training. They emphasize celebrating accomplishments without downplaying them and offer tips for dry-land swim exercises. Plus, advice on nurturing a child's love for triathlon keeps training enjoyable and pressure-free. Tune in for laughs and practical insights!

This week we hear from Paula about her experience racing the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final, along with a reflection on the T100 series as a whole. We then jump into a round of Good Gift / Bad Gift before getting to listener-submitted questions. This week we discussed:Camaraderie among professional athletesWhen and why to use rollersCareer-defining moments in triathlon Supplements for endurance athletesIce baths and saunas for performance and recoveryEarly thoughts on 2026 swimrun plans for Eric, Paula, and NickA big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlonLife.com/podcast

This week Paula is in Qatar, so Eric and Nick held down the fort until TTL Development Team athlete Lydia Russell joined for some fun. We started by talking about Alex Yee's incredible marathon in Valencia, outlined an exciting TTL training camp for early next year, and then got into questions. This week we covered:• Our running shoe rotation• What to do when your snorkel starts taking on water• Gravel tire options for snowy conditions• Racing 70.3s while training for a full Ironman• How to get past a swimming plateau• The correct number of cats for a 2:1 cat to bike ratioA big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlonLife.com/podcastTTL Base Camp 2026

This week, Zack Cooper, a professional triathlete and TTL Development Team athlete, shares insights from his standout season, including qualifying for Ironman Worlds. He discusses the mental toll of DNFs and how he refocused after a disappointing race. The conversation touches on the importance of nutrition for peak performance, intense swim training, and his strategies for racing fast despite challenges. Zack also reveals his plans for the next season and reflects on how community and content shape sponsorship opportunities.

Professional triathlete John Reed joins the conversation to share insights on his racing season and Olympic dreams. He dives into the nuances of 'road bike muscles' versus 'TT bike muscles,' tackling the best setups for racing. John highlights his podium finishes and discusses how mindset affects short-course racing dynamics. The hosts also engage with listener questions on pool etiquette and the merits of different bike types. Reed’s journey reveals the importance of strategy in qualifying for the Olympics while keeping a playful spirit throughout.

Join Eric and Paula as they tackle a range of intriguing topics! They discuss the potential loss of trust among pros in the PTO after notable blunders. Get insights on training while traveling and how to balance it with peak performance. They dive into essential pump tools for young mountain bikers and share expert fueling strategies for a 50-mile ultra. Curious about self-coaching tips and whether swimming compromises run fitness? Tune in to discover their thoughts on these hot debates and much more!

Paula shares her thrilling experience racing at the 70.3 World Championships in Marbella, detailing both the excitement and her struggles with a pre-race injury. The hosts dive into the unique atmosphere of the event and discuss the emotional impact of racing while injured. They answer listener questions on handling disappointing results, preparing for the Escape From Alcatraz, and the best cameras for cycling. There are also touching reflections on spiritual moments during training that inspire motivation throughout the sport.