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The Be Battle Ready podcast is where everyday athletes, adventurers, and seekers of strength come to forge resilience - in body, mind, and spirit.
Hosted by coach Simon Ward, each episode explores the true pillars of endurance: purposeful training, nourishing nutrition, restorative sleep, a resilient mindset, and the art of recovery. It’s designed especially for those in their 40s, 50s and beyond who refuse to rust - men and women who know that age is no excuse to stop sharpening the blade.
Whether you’re preparing for your next Ironman, rebuilding after setback, or simply training for the demands of life itself, this show will help you stay Battle Ready: strong, adaptable, and unbreakable.
Expect conversations with world-class coaches, scientists, and everyday warriors - those who walk the path of longevity and high performance - sharing wisdom, tactics, and stories from the front line of endurance.
👉 Subscribe now and step inside the ranks of the Battle Ready Society - where strength is forged, and rust never wins.
Episodes
24 minutes ago
24 minutes ago
What happens when everything looks right on the outside… but something isn’t quite right underneath?
In this episode, I’m joined by Justin Robbins, a former Ironman athlete and coach who was training consistently, performing well, and doing all the things we’d typically associate with good health. But a routine blood test told a very different story. What followed was a complete rethink of how he approaches training, health, and life. This is an honest conversation about identity, balance, and what really matters if you want to stay fit for the long term.
5 KEY POINTS
1. Fitness doesn’t equal health - You can train hard and still be metabolically unhealthy.
2. Identity can become a trap - When your identity is tied to performance, it’s hard to step back.
3. More isn’t always better - High training volume doesn’t guarantee better outcomes.
4. Awareness creates change - It often takes a wake-up call to reassess what you’re doing.
5. Health is a long-term game - Short-term performance should never come at the expense of longevity.
3 TAKEAWAYS
1. Ask better questions - Don’t assume your current approach is working.
2. Look beneath the surface - Feeling fit isn’t the same as being healthy.
3. Think long term - Train in a way that supports your future self.
KILLER QUOTE
“I was training 15 to 16 hours a week… and still got told I was pre-diabetic.”
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
Justin mentioned getting a full blood panel via an online lab. This is the link:
FREE Download👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
A simple checklist to see if you’re actually on track 3–6 months out.
Want help building durable training?
Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down.
£30 per month.
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE:
You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube
Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle
💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
What happens when you step away from sport for nearly 20 years… and then come back?
In this episode, I’m joined by Jane Hansom, who did exactly that. From a long break after university to running a sub-3 marathon, winning her age group at Kona, and building a successful marketing business alongside her training, Jane’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start. We talk about consistency, mindset, coaching, and how the lessons from endurance sport translate directly into business and life.
5 KEY POINTS
1. It’s never too late to start - Progress doesn’t depend on your past.
2. Consistency wins - Show up. Do the work. Repeat.
3. Coaching is about people - The best coaches adapt to the individual.
4. Mindset transfers - What works in sport works in life.
5. Details matter - Small things make a big difference.
3 TAKEAWAYS
1. Be clear on your goal - Know exactly what you’re aiming for.
2. Do the work, then trust it - Confidence comes from preparation.
3. Find your people - Support makes everything easier.
KILLER QUOTE
“There wasn’t a single day in that entire year that I pressed snooze.”
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
- Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim - https://www.nevistostkittscrosschannelswim.com/
- UltraSwim 33.3 (Caribbean Edition) - https://ultraswim333.com/
- Listen to our recent podcast about the Nevis cross channel swim - https://simonward.podbean.com/e/nevis-to-st-kitts-swim-why-i-finally-decided-to-take-statins/
FREE Download👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
A simple checklist to see if you’re actually on track 3–6 months out.
Want help building durable training?
Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down.
£30 per month.
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE:
You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube
Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle
💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
You’re 6–16 weeks out. This is the phase where most Ironman races are shaped. Not on race day, but in the decisions you make right now. It’s not about getting fitter. It’s about getting it right.
5 Main Points
1. Stick to the plan - Consistency beats last-minute changes.
2. Respect fatigue - Recovery is part of the training, not a weakness.
3. Practise race day - Don’t leave pacing, nutrition and conditions to chance.
4. Fuel properly - You can’t train hard and under-fuel at the same time.
5. Arrive fresh - Better to be slightly underdone than overcooked.
3 Key Takeaways
• Most Ironman plans fail in the weeks before race day
• Durability and consistency matter more than volume
• The goal now is to arrive healthy, not fitter
Killer Quote
“It’s not about doing more… it’s about getting it right.”
If you didn’t listen to last weeks podcast
Racing an Ironman this year? Ask yourself these 5 questions.
FREE Download👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
A simple checklist to see if you’re actually on track 3–6 months out.
Want help building durable training?
Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down.
£30 per month.
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE:
You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube
Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle
💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!
Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
If you’ve signed up for an Ironman this year, this is the point where things start to get real.
You’re no longer thinking about training… you’re already in it. And for many athletes, this is the phase where small cracks begin to appear. Missed sessions, niggles, fatigue, and a growing sense of uncertainty about whether you’re actually on track.
In this episode, Simon and Beth walk through the key questions every Ironman athlete should be asking 3 to 6 months out from race day. Not to create panic, but to provide a clear and honest sense-check of where you are right now.
Because at this stage, it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things consistently, staying healthy, and making sure you arrive at the start line ready to execute.
5 Key Talking Points
- This phase of training is where most Ironman campaigns either come together or begin to unravel.
- Consistency matters more than volume. Stop-start training is a major red flag.
- Durability is critical, especially for older athletes managing fatigue and recovery.
- Race-specific preparation, including pacing and nutrition, must be practised well before race day.
- The goal now is not to get dramatically fitter, but to protect your fitness and stay healthy.
3 Takeaways
- Be honest about where you are. Small issues now can become big problems later.
- Focus on consistency, recovery, and smart training rather than chasing more volume.
- Your primary goal is to arrive at the start line healthy, not exhausted or injured.
Key Quote
“The goal now isn’t to get fitter… it’s to arrive at the start line healthy.”
FREE Download👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
A simple checklist to see if you’re actually on track 3–6 months out.
Resources I promised you
Race day nutrition Strategy - Get 20 minutes with a Precision Fuel & Hydration expert
Train your gut
Want help building durable training?
Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down.
£30 per month.
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE:
You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube
Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle
💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!
Wednesday Apr 08, 2026
Wednesday Apr 08, 2026
In this episode, Beth and I reflect on our recent Nevis to St Kitts swim, a brilliant open water adventure that reminded us what it really means to be Battle Ready.
We talk about the event itself, the experience of swimming across open water in a stunning setting, and what we learned from it.
Then we shift gears into a more personal topic. I share why, after years of resisting it, I’ve decided to start taking statins. It’s not medical advice, but an honest conversation about health, ageing, and the difference between being fit and being truly healthy for the long term.
Key Points
- The Nevis to St Kitts swim experience
A 2.5-mile open water swim in warm Caribbean waters, inclusive, well organised, and accessible to a wide range of swimmers. - Adventure vs preparation
You don’t need perfect preparation to take on meaningful challenges, but the experience highlighted where more specific endurance work would help. - Battle Ready in action
Being consistently fit allowed us to step into an event like this with confidence and enjoy the experience. - Fit doesn’t equal healthy
You can look strong, perform well, and still have underlying health risks that aren’t visible on the surface. - Why I changed my stance on statins
After years of resisting medication, a combination of medical advice, real-life examples, and perspective on long-term risk led me to rethink my position.
3 Takeaways
- Train for life, not just events
Being Battle Ready means you can say yes to opportunities without needing perfect preparation. - Don’t confuse fitness with health
Performance metrics don’t tell the full story. What’s happening “under the hood” matters just as much. - Play the long game
Whether it’s training, lifestyle, or medical decisions, the goal is to keep doing what you love for decades, not just today.
Killer Quote
“Just because you’re fit, it doesn’t mean you’re invincible.”
Resources
Find out more about the Nevis - St Kitts Cross Channel Swim
Nick Parkes podcast - The Day My heart Stopped Mid-Race
Want help building durable training?
Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down.
£30 per month.
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE:
You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube
Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle
💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Mobility is one of the most overlooked parts of training.
Most athletes ignore it until something hurts. Then it suddenly becomes important.
In this episode, I’m joined by Tom Morrison, creator of the Simplistic Mobility Method. I first came across Tom through athletes I work with, and his name kept coming up again and again.
What stood out to me is that Tom hasn’t just studied mobility. He lived the consequences of ignoring it.
From overtraining and constant injuries to a serious back issue that stopped him in his tracks, Tom had to rebuild his body from the ground up.
What he shares in this conversation is simple, practical, and very relevant if you want to keep training as you get older.
This isn’t about adding more to your week.
It’s about doing the right things so you can keep showing up.
5 Key Talking Points
- Most people wait for pain before they act - Mobility only becomes a priority when something breaks down.
- Injuries often come from what you don’t train - If one joint lacks movement, another area takes the strain.
- More training isn’t always better - Tom’s own experience shows how high volume without balance leads to injury.
- Pain doesn’t always mean damage - You can have structural issues and still move well if your body is strong and adaptable.
- Small daily habits work best - Five to ten minutes a day can make a big difference over time.
3 Takeaways
- Train your joints as well as your engine
- Be consistent, not extreme
- Do a little every day
Key Quote
“You don’t get injured in places where you move well. You get injured in places where you don’t move at all.”
Final Thought
If you want to keep training for the long term, mobility isn’t optional.
It’s the thing that keeps you consistent.
And consistency is what delivers results.
Resources
To find out more about Tom please visit these channels:
Website: https://tommorrison.uk
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TomMorrison
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MovementandMotion
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tom.morrison.training?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tom_morrison?_t=8eMnk3YfqBf&_r=1
These are some of Tom’s most popular blog posts:
The best advice for chronic back pain
The Non-Negotiables for better movement
How to fix chronically tight hamstrings
Tom has a really fun YouTube page and these are some of his most popular videos:
Struggle to sit crossed legged
Want help building durable training?
Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down.
£30 per month.
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE:
You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube
Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle
💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
You’ve trained for months. Everything is building nicely. Then suddenly, your A race is cancelled.
For many athletes, that moment feels like the rug has been pulled from under them. Motivation drops, structure disappears, and the question becomes… what now?
In this episode, Simon and Beth explore the emotional and practical impact of losing a key event. They discuss why races matter, why so many athletes rely on them, and how to respond in a way that keeps your progress moving forward.
More importantly, they challenge the idea that your fitness should depend on a single race, and offer a more durable way to think about training for the long term.
5 Key Talking Points
- Races provide structure, motivation and purpose, especially for recreational athletes.
- Losing an event can feel destabilising because it removes the external driver for training.
- Motivation alone is unreliable. Habits and routine are what sustain long-term progress.
- There are different levels of athlete mindset, from event-driven to identity-driven.
- A cancelled race does not mean lost fitness. It’s an opportunity to pivot and build further.
3 Takeaways
- Use races as motivation, but don’t depend on them completely.
- Build habits that keep you active even when there is no event on the calendar.
- When plans change, focus on what you can control and redirect your fitness into a new challenge.
Key Quote
“You didn’t lose your race… you just gained a level.”
Want help building durable training?
Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down.
£30 per month.
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE:
You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube
Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle
💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!
Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
Why training more isn’t always the answer
Most endurance athletes assume that getting better simply means doing more training. More miles. More hours. More big sessions. But after decades of coaching and competing, Simon argues that the athletes who achieve the best long-term results are rarely the ones doing the most volume. They are the ones who train consistently without breaking down. In this episode Simon and Beth explore the idea of durability versus volume, why chasing big sessions can backfire, and how athletes can build the resilience needed to train consistently for years rather than weeks.
5 Talking Points
1. The volume trap
Many endurance athletes believe more training automatically leads to better results.
2. What durability really means
Durability is the ability to train consistently without injury, illness or burnout.
3. The foundations of durable training
Sleep, strength, mobility, nutrition and sensible training loads allow athletes to absorb training and recover.
4. Why hero sessions backfire
Big one-off workouts often look impressive but can disrupt consistency if they leave you exhausted or injured.
5. Consistency beats intensity
The athletes who improve the most are usually the ones who train steadily week after week.
3 Takeaways
• Consistency beats volume when it comes to long-term endurance performance.
• Durable athletes prioritise recovery, strength, sleep and sensible training loads.
• Ask yourself before a big session: will this make me more durable or less durable?
Quote from the Episode
“Fitness might come from a few big weeks of training. Real performance comes from years of consistent work.”
Stay strong. Stay curious. Stay Battle Ready.
Want help building durable training?
Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down.
£30 per month.
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE:
You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube
Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle
💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!
Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
The pool drills that prepare you for the chaos of open water swimming
Learn how triathletes can practise open water swim skills in the pool and feel more confident on race day.
Can you really prepare for an open water swim if all you have access to is a pool?
In this episode, Simon and Beth explain how triathletes can build open water skills into normal pool sessions before the race season begins. They cover sighting, breathing to both sides, faster cadence, group starts, drafting and learning to stay calm when the swim gets crowded and chaotic.
If you have an early season triathlon coming up and the swim already feels a bit intimidating, this episode will help you arrive on the start line far more prepared and confident.
5 Talking Points
- Pool fitness alone does not guarantee a strong open water swim.
- Good swim coaching starts with identifying your own technical flaws.
- Sighting, bilateral breathing and faster cadence can all be practised in the pool.
- Training with others helps you stay calm in the chaos of race day swimming.
- The more specific your preparation, the more confident you will feel in open water.
3 Takeaways
- Practise open water skills in every pool session, not just when you get outside.
- Staying calm in a crowded swim is a skill you can train.
- Confidence on race day comes from preparation, not hope.
Quote
“Just because you cannot get into open water in March, it does not mean you cannot still practise your open water skills.”
Stay strong. Stay curious. Stay Battle Ready.
Join the SWAT Inner Circle
If you want help applying these ideas in your own training, that is exactly what we do inside SWAT Inner Circle.
Plans, guidance, monthly coaching calls and direct access to me.
£30 per month.
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE:
You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube
Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle
💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
In this real-world episode, Beth and I share our 2026 event calendar, from a 50k ultra and a 40k paddle-board race to a 2.4 mile Caribbean swim and a 700km gravel bike ride following one of the Camino trails in Spain. More importantly, we explain how we’re applying lessons from recent podcasts directly into our own training and lifestyle
Different disciplines. Same foundations.
5 Talking Points
- Broken Endurance for the Ultra
Run-walk intervals to reduce impact, improve pacing and finish stronger. - Strength After 50
Lifting is non-negotiable for bone health, posture and long-term durability. - Protein & Muscle Protection
Spreading protein across the day to support recovery and maintain muscle as we age - Brain & Gut Health
Better fuelling, smarter decisions under fatigue and protecting consistency. - Heat & Alcohol Discipline
Using heat exposure strategically and being intentional with alcohol to improve sleep and recovery
3 Takeaways
- Train for durability over ego.
- Protect consistency above hero sessions.
- The foundations win, not the flashy stuff.
Quote
“The real story isn’t the events. The foundations are the things that help you win.”
Stay strong. Stay curious. Stay Battle Ready.
Join the SWAT Inner Circle
If you want year-round structure built around these enduring principles — strength, fuelling, recovery and smart intensity — join the SWAT Inner Circle.
Plans, guidance, monthly coaching calls and direct access to me.
£30 per month.
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE:
You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube
Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle
💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!