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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
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
The aging athlete's journey doesn't have to mean inevitable decline. In this reflective episode, Simon and Bethany Ward revisit September's most impactful conversations, distilling key lessons from their discussions with running coaches Bobby McGee and Matt Pendola, plus Lucy Hurn's inspiring Iron Man journey through menopause.
From proprioception and fast-twitch muscle loss to hormonal chaos and identity questions, this episode tackles the real challenges facing athletes over 50 - and more importantly, the proven solutions that can keep you strong, durable, and competitive for decades to come.
Quote of the Episode
"70% of what we call aging is about inactivity. The areas where you've made the biggest losses over time are the areas where you can make the biggest gains." - Bobby McGee
Key Talking Points
- The Proprioception Problem - Why losing your "feel" for the ground costs you speed and how to restore it
- Fast-Twitch Muscle Recovery - he 5-10% per decade loss isn't permanent if you train smart
- Broken Endurance Strategy - Bobby McGee's run-walk approach for better performance
- Training Through Menopause - Lucy Hearn's practical advice for navigating hormonal chaos
- Identity vs. Performance - Are you still an athlete without a race on the calendar?
- The Minimum Effective Dose - How little training can still deliver results as you age
Key Takeaways
- Listen to your body and respect its signals - Fatigue from hormones feels different than training fatigue
- Eat more protein - Your body becomes less efficient at processing it as you age
- Do what makes you uncomfortable - Avoid only the "safe" training you've always done
- Start with mobility, then stability, then strength - Build your foundation before adding power
- Be flexible with your training plans - Consistency matters more than perfection
- Focus on what you can control - Sleep routines, nutrition timing, and recovery habits
Practical Applications
- Try the cross-hopping drill to assess your proprioception
- Implement run-walk intervals in training and racing
- Include 4-6 rep strength work with longer rest periods
- Track symptoms to identify patterns during hormonal changes
- Prioritise protein at every meal, especially during menopause
If you want listen to the full podcast conversations, here are the links,
Bobby McGee & Matt Pendola - Part 1 - Why running performance declines so fast after 50
Bobby McGee & Matt Pendola - Part 2 - Solutions for maintaining running speed after 50
Lucy Hurn - Qualifying for Kona through the menopause
Beth & Simon Ward - Are you still an athlete if you have no races on the calendar
The SWAT Inner Circle is now open. It is the community for athletes and adventurers over 50 who want to train smart, live well, and extend their health span. You can join today CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Check out my Instagram and YouTube channel
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
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!
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Your brain is your most valuable asset - yet most athletes spend more time maintaining their bikes than protecting their cognitive health. In this episode, Simon sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Tommy Wood to explore how endurance athletes can future-proof their brains and maintain sharp cognitive function well into their later years.
Dr. Wood, who has also worked with professional athletes in multiple sports including several Olympians and world champions and is releasing his book "The Stimulated Mind" in March 2026, shares his groundbreaking "3-S" model and explains why up to 70% of dementia cases may be preventable through lifestyle choices we make today.
Quote of the Episode
"The brain is essentially the same as your body - if you want bigger biceps, you need to do bicep curls. If you want a stronger brain, you need to challenge it with complex, novel activities throughout your life."
Dr. Tommy Wood
Key Talking Points
- The Preventable Nature of Dementia – Why 45-70% of dementia cases could be avoided through lifestyle interventions
- The 3-S Model – Stimulus, Supply, and Support as the foundation of brain health
- Cognitive Stimulation Beyond Crosswords – Languages, music, complex motor skills, and social connection
- The Athlete's Advantage – Why complex sports like orienteering beat simple endurance for brain health
- Nutrition for Neuroplasticity – Omega-3s, B vitamins, and the critical role of energy availability
Key Takeaways
- Challenge your brain like you challenge your body – Novel, complex activities drive neuroplasticity
- Social connection is medicine – Isolation and loneliness are major dementia risk factors
- Energy availability matters – Under-fueling affects brain health as much as physical performance
- Sleep is when adaptation happens – Both physical and cognitive improvements occur during rest
- It's never too late to start – Even in your 60s and 70s, the brain responds to new challenges
Dr. Tommy Wood's Book (Pre-order now):
- The Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age (Release: March 24, 2026)
Connect with Dr. Tommy Wood:
- Website: drtommywood.com
- Instagram: DrTommyWood
- Substack: Better Brain Fitness
- Podcast: Better Brain Fitness Podcast
Book Recommendations:
Attention Span by Gloria Mark - how to find focus for a fulfilling life.
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter - embrace discomfort to reclaim your wild, happy, healthy self.
Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode. If you enjoyed the conversation, please share it with a friend or training partner who might find it inspiring.
The SWAT Inner Circle is now open. It is the community for athletes and adventurers over 50 who want to train smart, live well, and extend their health span. You can join today CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Check out my Instagram and YouTube channel
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
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!
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Strong bones are the armour that carry us through life’s battles — whether it’s racing triathlon, carrying the shopping, or keeping up with grandchildren. Yet too many athletes only notice cracks in that armour when it fails.
In this episode, Simon is joined by Dr Juliet McGrattan and Dr Catherine Jackson to explore what really keeps bones battle ready: the truth about calcium, vitamin D, hormones, strength training, and why endurance sport alone isn’t enough.
Together, they unpack how both men and women can protect their bone health, maintain strength through midlife and beyond, and build habits that last decades.
Quote of the Episode
“Use your future self as a motivator. I know 80-year-old Juliet pretty well now — and every time I’m doing something good for my bones and longevity, she’s waving her pom-poms.”
— Dr Juliet McGrattan
Key Talking Points
- Bone Health Basics – Why both men and women need to take bone strength seriously, not just post-menopausal women.
- Hormones & HRT – How menopause, testosterone, and modern HRT options affect bone density and long-term health.
- Strength & Impact Training – Why bones need load, impact, and multidirectional movement to stay strong.
- Nutrition Foundations – Getting calcium, vitamin D, and protein right — plus fuelling properly for endurance.
- Sleep, Recovery & Lifestyle – How rest, sleep, and everyday movement protect your healthspan as much as your bones.
Key Takeaways
- Bones need impact – Walking, hopping, lifting, and loading keep your skeleton strong.
- Endurance isn’t enough – Running, cycling, or swimming alone won’t protect bone density.
- Fuel properly – Under-eating and low energy availability are major risks for bone loss.
- Recovery matters – Sleep and rest are when your bones and muscles actually rebuild.
- Train for your future self – Every strength session today is an investment in how you’ll move at 80.
🔗 Links & Resources
- Royal Osteoporosis Society: — practical guidance on exercise and nutrition.
- NHS guidance on Osteoporosis
Follow Dr Juliet McGrattan:
Website - https://drjulietmcgrattan.com
Instagram - @drjulietmcgrattan
Facebook - @DrJulietMcGrattan
LinkedIn - @DrJulietMcGrattan
Blogs: https://drjulietmcgrattan.com/2023/02/01/8-tips-for-looking-after-your-bones-when-youre-a-runner/
Book Recommendation:
From Simon: Outlive by Peter Attia — exploring healthspan vs lifespan.
From Juliet: The Power of Fun: How to feel alive again' by Catherine Price
From Catherine: This is going to hurt … by Adam Kay
Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode. If you enjoyed the conversation, please share it with a friend or training partner who might find it inspiring.
The Battle Ready Society is now open. It is the community for athletes and adventurers over 50 who want to train smart, live well, and extend their health span. You can join today CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Check out my Instagram and YouTube channel
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
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!
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
In this episode of the Be Battle Ready podcast, Simon is joined by Tom Page and his partner Julia Saunders. Their story begins at Ironman Hamburg, where Tom’s race — and life — changed in an instant after a head-on collision with a motorbike on the closed course. While Tom was rushed to intensive care with serious injuries, Julia continued her first Ironman not knowing what had happened.
Together they share how they navigated the trauma of that day, the long road of rehab and recovery, and how they went on to cycle 19,200km through 27 countries. This conversation is about resilience, partnership, and finding perspective when life throws you the unexpected.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
- How Tom coped with a devastating accident and what it taught him about resilience
- Julia’s perspective on racing while not knowing what had happened to Tom
- Why rehab demands the same discipline and mindset as Ironman training
- How their year-long world cycling trip helped rebuild confidence and strength
- The lessons this experience offers about perspective, gratitude, and living fully
Resources and Links
Check out Tom & Julia’s YouTube channel for an incredible video of their travels
1 year from Singapore to London
You can also follow their adventures on Instagram
They also love reading and recommend the following books
Tom - How Not to Age by Dr Michael Greger
Julia - Roar by Dr Stacey Sims
Thanks for Listening 🙏
Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode. If you enjoyed the conversation, please share it with a friend or training partner who might find it inspiring.
The Battle Ready Society is now open. It is the community for athletes and adventurers over 50 who want to train smart, live well, and extend their healthspan. You can join today CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
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.
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
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!
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
In this second part of my conversation with world-renowned running coach Bobby McGee and strength specialist Matt Pendola, we move beyond the challenges of ageing and dive straight into the solutions.
If part one painted the picture of why running performance declines after 50, today is all about how to fight back. From mobility and stability foundations to strength, power, and “broken endurance” running, Bobby and Matt lay out practical strategies that any athlete can implement to keep running strong well into their later years.
Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s and want to maintain speed, resilience, and confidence on the run, this episode is packed with actionable advice.
What You’ll Learn
- Why mobility and stability are the true foundation before strength work
- The role of power training (and why it matters more than brute strength)
- How the soleus muscle acts as your “second heart” — and why training it is essential
- The benefits of broken endurance running (run-walk strategies that actually make you faster)
- Gender-specific considerations: mobility vs. stability focus for men and women
- How to reframe ageing as an opportunity for your biggest gains
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.
Connect with Bobby McGee
Website - bobbymcee.com
Instagram - bobbymcgeerunning
Bobby also recommends the following books
Endure - Alex Hutchinson
The Transformational Power of Pure Intelligence Cory Reich
Bobby is a consultant for STRYD power meters, He highly recommends the Duo if you want state of the art mechanical data to work on your run
Connect with Matt Pendola
Website - Pendola Project and check out his programs including a free movement improvement assessment and protocol
Instagram: @PendolaProject
Facebook: PendolaProject
Matt recommended the following book:
Win the Inside Game by Steve Magness- I feel this book has helped me to navigate modern life's "threats" with tools on how to turn them into meaningful "challenges".
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
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!
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
In this eye-opening first part of a two-part series, host Simon Ward sits down with world-renowned running coach Bobby McGee and strength specialist Matt Pendola to tackle a frustrating reality many over-50 athletes face: while swimming and cycling performance may hold steady, running seems to decline more sharply with age.
This isn't just anecdotal - it's a well-documented phenomenon that affects both male and female endurance athletes. The trio dive deep into the physiological, neurological, and cultural reasons behind this decline, setting the stage for practical solutions in part two.
Key Point 1: It's Neurological First, Physical Second
Your brain loses the ability to judge foot-to-ground distance, causing harder landings and longer ground contact times.
Key Point 2: Running is Biomechanically Unique Among the Three Sports
Unlike supported swimming and cycling with concentric contractions, running demands unsupported eccentric loading under massive forces.
Key Point 3: We Do What We're Good At (And Avoid What We Need)
Aging athletes gravitate toward endurance work while abandoning the sprinting, plyometrics, and strength training they desperately need.
Key Point 4: 70% of "Aging" is Actually Inactivity
Most performance decline attributed to age is actually due to lack of specific training - your greatest gains come from your greatest losses.
Connect with Bobby McGee
Website - bobbymcee.com
Instagram - bobbymcgeerunning
Bobby also recommends the following books
Endure - Alex Hutchinson
The Transformational Power of Pure Intelligence Cory Reich
Bobby is a consultant for STRYD power meters, He highly recommends the Duo if you want state of the art mechanical data to work on your run
Connect with Matt Pendola
Website - Pendola Project and check out his programs including a free movement improvement assessment and protocol
Instagram: @PendolaProject
Facebook: PendolaProject
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
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!
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
What happens when your body changes the rules halfway through your biggest athletic goal? Lucy Hurn found out when perimenopause hit during her 8-year quest to qualify for Kona.
In this raw and practical episode, Lucy shares her journey from struggling with fatigue, irregular recovery, and changing physiology to finally earning her spot at the Ironman World Championships. This isn't just about getting faster — it's about adapting, listening to your body, and redefining what success looks like.
Key insights from this conversation:
• Listen to your body becomes non-negotiable — especially when hormones make recovery unpredictable
• Fuelling enough is harder than you think — why most female athletes under-eat and how it sabotages performance
• Your thoughts aren't facts — learning to reframe negativity can transform your training and racing
• The guilt factor — why women struggle more with training time and how to navigate family responsibilities
Practical takeaways for training through perimenopause:
• Build flexibility into training plans — some days you adapt, some days you skip entirely
• Prioritise protein at every meal (minimum 1g per kg bodyweight, building up from there)
• Focus on what you can control: sleep hygiene, nutrition quality, stress management
• Track your symptoms to understand patterns and communicate effectively with healthcare providers
Resources & Links:
• Book recommendation: A Life Without Limits by Chrissie Wellington — Lucy's inspiration for her Kona goal
• Research mentioned: Work by Dr. Natalie Brown on training around menstrual cycles and menopause -
• Training philosophy: "You don't get fitter from training — you get fitter from recovery from training"
Connect with Lucy Hurn:
Lucy is the owner of Feel Fit with Lucy and helps women achieve big race goals while building both fitness and confidence. Her coaching covers training, nutrition, mindset, race planning, and stress management.
Instagram: @feelfitwithlucy
Facebook: Feel Fit with Lucy
LinkedIn: Lucy Hurn
YouTube: Mobility Monday videos
Membership for female triathletes and runners: feelfitwithlucy.co.uk/membership
Free resources: feelfitwithlucy.co.uk/freebies
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
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!
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
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
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!
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
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!
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
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!