Simon Ward, The High Performance Human Triathlon Podcast

Faith and a passion for the cold * How to keep racing at 67 years old with Pat Cooke-Rogers

If you have raced at the Outlaw full or any UK Ironman in recent years, you may have heard of this week's podcast guest, Pat Cooke-Rogers. I’ve known Pat for several years, primarily because she holds the Outlaw prayer on the Saturday before the Outlaw Full, as well as the IronPrayer the day before UK Ironman events. Pat always reminds me when we promote the meeting that one doesn’t have to be religious to attend. There are folks who would value some kind words and empathy when they're feeling anxious, and Pat offers this opportunity. Whilst I’m not naturally given to prayer, I have to say that during dark moments in a long distance triathlon I recall wondering if anyone out there could help me get to the finish just a little quicker.

 

As well as being a chaplain, Pat is an accomplished endurance athlete in her own right having competed in Hawaii at the IM World Championships, qualified for the Ice Mile, and taken on huge challenges such as the Yukon Arctic Ultra on a fat bike. Oh, and by the way, Pat is in her late 60’s and still signing up for these challenges which makes our conversation even more interesting!

 

You know I love to find out about what makes older athletes tick, and today's conversation covers:

 

• Opening up, embracing nature, and the power of vulnerability (15:45)
• Embrace the cold - Pat’s love affair with ice mile swimming and the Yukon Arctic Ultra (21:15)
• Why Pat has 4 coaches and how they become more important as we get older (34:20)
• Gratitude (55:10)
• Less endurance, more strength work, better nutrition - balancing the daily challenges of aging and continuing to train (58:30)

 

Pat isn’t big on social media so there are no links to follow her. Instead, she's shared the below resources.

 

Her favourite book is a mega tale of endurance!

‘8000 miles across Alaska: A Runners Journey on the Iditarod Trail’ by Jill Homer.

 

Pat talked about her passion for events in cold conditions. Please check out these videos:

The Yukon Arctic Ultra - you can get a brief insight to this event from the trailer. There are links to longer videos if you are interested.

The Lapland Arctic Ultra - Pat’s next challenge

Ice Mile swimming - Not a video about Pat but you’ll get the idea!

 

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please email her at Info@BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

 

To leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts CLICK HERE.

 

Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

 

Join our SWAT/High Performance Human tribe using this link, with a happiness guarantee! You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

Purchase a copy of my High Performance Human e-book featuring more than 30 top tips on how to upgrade your life.

If you would like to help offset the cost of our podcast production, we would be so grateful. Please click here to support the HPH podcast. Thank you!

Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here.  For any questions please email Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

From ”clueless in the pool” to European Champion in 10 years*India Lee

Back in 2012 a young lady was walking through Hyde Park with her sister. There was a triathlon taking place and she recognised the names of some of the athletes as ones she had raced against in prior running events. It was the London Olympic Triathlon and she heard Vicky Holland's name. At that time India Lee was taking a sabbatical from her running career and looking for something different. Her coach didn’t want to see her stop competing, so he suggested triathlon. Seeing the race in Hyde Park India thought, “Why not?” and so she entered her first triathlon at Blenheim. In the 10 years since, she has won an ITU World Cup event in Italy, finished first in Ironman 70.3 events, raced at The Ironman World Championships and won ‘The Championship’ event hosted by Challenge in Samorin. This is the story of how India Lee turned herself from a top class runner into a world class triathlete.

 

• The good and the bad of a US university running scholarship (10:30)
• Burn out (16:20)
• Clueless in the swimming pool (20:40)
• Taking control (30:15)
• Learning valuable lessons at the Rio test event (35:10)
• Racing 70.3 -  “It’s so nice” (51:00)
• Dealing with adversity - bike nightmares (52:30)
• No gears but still the winner of The Championship (1:08:50)

 

To find out more about India Lee and her racing experiences you can follow her on Instagram @indielee_tri

 

Her favourite book is Do hard things by Steve Magness 

 

She also likes listening to these podcasts

- Revisionists History with Malcolm Gladwell.

- No Stupid Questions - Freakonomics Radio

 

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please email her at Info@BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

 

To leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts CLICK HERE.

 

Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

 

Join our SWAT/High Performance Human tribe using this link, with a happiness guarantee! You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

Purchase a copy of my High Performance Human e-book featuring more than 30 top tips on how to upgrade your life.

If you would like to help offset the cost of our podcast production, we would be so grateful. Please click here to support the HPH podcast. Thank you!

Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here.  For any questions please email Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

Spinning plates - the amazing life of Outlaw Full Champion 2023 Natalie Lawrence

Almost 20 years ago a talented young female athlete asked me to coach her. Natalie Barnard (as she was known then) was part of the Performance Squad at Loughborough, and she wanted a different approach to the one provided the the coaches at the centre. Natalie was already struggling with some issues around eating, and the highly competitive atmosphere at Loughborough wasn’t helping. We worked together for a short time until the weight loss led to a knee injury. Not only did she need to look after her poorly knee, she needed some very specific help to overcome her eating problems. We stopped working together at that point because she wasn’t doing any training. Imagine my surprise and pleasure when years later not only did I see that Natalie was racing again, but she was happily married and the mother of 4 children. 

 

This is the story of how Natalie managed to take control of her eating, return to health and winning ways. She is very honest and open about her previous and ongoing struggles and we do touch on some very sensitive topics. If there is anything that you hear which causes you to have concerns about family members, friends, training partners or club mates please look out for the links in the show notes below which will guide you to places where you can find help for yourself or loved ones. Topics covered include:

 

• Spinning Plates (3:00)
• Competitive environments and the prevalence of eating disorders (28:00)
• The performance and health impacts of being too light (47:50)
• Winning at Long Course Weekend 2023 (1:01:30)
• The importance of having a support system (1:06:45)
• Being a competitive athlete and managing an eating disorder (1:12:45)
• How strength training can help you become a healthy human (1:18:10)

 

To find out more about Natalie please use the following channels

Website: www.nlfitness.net 

Instagram: @nattyb0  and @natlawrencecoach 

YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCvFMf3AHaEjMQZLBiye_sUw

 

Natalie is very open about her eating disorder and nutritional challenges. This is an interview on This Morning regarding the exercise anorexic culture is this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tTdZbLnQ6pI

 

To find out more about eating disorders and how to find help for anyone you are connected with who might be dealing with this please visit - The RED-S Project

 

Natalie also recommends the following books which she has enjoyed reading

Labyrinth - Kate Mosse

Breaking the Chain by Willy Voet - Festina 1988 - how drugs bought a cycling team to its knees

 

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please email her at Info@BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

 

To leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts CLICK HERE.

 

Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

 

Join our SWAT/High Performance Human tribe using this link, with a happiness guarantee! You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

Purchase a copy of my High Performance Human e-book featuring more than 30 top tips on how to upgrade your life.

If you would like to help offset the cost of our podcast production, we would be so grateful. Please click here to support the HPH podcast. Thank you!

Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here.  For any questions please email Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

From elite triathlete to CrossFit world record holder with Jess Towl

20 years ago Jack Maitland and I were asked by British Triathlon to run one of the Regional Talent ID Programmes in the North of England. The brief was to find talented young boys and girls who were good swimmers and runners and who might turn out to be exceptional triathletes. We didn’t do too badly with the two brothers (c’mon, you know who they are!!). Also in that squad was a young lady called Jess Towl. Jess was in the squad for 3-4 years and then left to train in Australia. On returning she joined the performance squad in Loughborough. Things didn’t quite work out as planned so she left to teach swimming and turned herself into a very successful CrossFit Games competitor. As a triathlete, Jess didn't have the physique or the strength for CrossFit and, as she explains, it was a long and arduous, but very rewarding, journey. She now works in Dubai as a coach to both CrossFit athletes and Triathletes. We talk about the differences in training between the two sports,  learning to perform olympic lifts, having a performance mindset, owning a CrossFit world record and how she is rebuilding herself after a catastrophic shoulder injury.

 

Enjoy the show! Who knows, you might find inspiration to change sports or just to start lifting weights for your triathlon performance. Some of the topics we cover include:

• Being part of the same triathlon talent ID programme as Jonny & Alistair Brownlee (3:00)
• Swimming or weightlifting - it starts with technique, technique, technique - (24:00)
• The benefits of a performance mindset when moving to a new sport (25:30)
• Different approaches to nutrition between triathlon & CrossFit (27:00)
• Owning a CrossFit world record (39:30)
• Double unders (41:00)
• To be good at CrossFit you need to be good at recovery (56:00)
• When weightlifting goes wrong - dealing with a bad shoulder injury (59:00)
• Skydiving and the Happy Hormone cocktail (1:03)
• Sleep trackers, gadgets and why you need to learn how to judge your own effort levels (1:21:00)

 

To find out more about Jess you can find her on Instagram at jesstowl

 

Jes coaches Triathletes and Crossfitters at InnerFight in Dubai. You can find out more about them here:

InnerFight.com

You can find her personal page HERE

 

Jess also likes to follow these Instagram channels and podcasts:

Wod_science - latest research on endurance training / weightlifting / nutrition 

drjamesdinic - General Health / Nutrition 

 

Podcasts:

InnerFight Endurance Podcast - All things Triathlon 

The Mind Muscle Project 

The Diary of a CEO 

 

Books: 

Chatter by Ethan Kross

Jess says, "Not usually the type of book I would go for but it is about how you speak to yourself in your head and how that affects your life / body. It really made me stop and think and gave me some great information on how I can make my performances in sport and my general day to day living better just by being conscious of how I am speaking to myself."

 

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please email her at Info@BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

 

To leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts CLICK HERE.

 

Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

 

Join our SWAT/High Performance Human tribe using this link, with a happiness guarantee! You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

Purchase a copy of my High Performance Human e-book featuring more than 30 top tips on how to upgrade your life.

If you would like to help offset the cost of our podcast production, we would be so grateful. Please click here to support the HPH podcast. Thank you!

Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here.  For any questions please email Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

Bike fit for older athletes: Why subtle changes might improve performance and enjoyment

Getting older is one of the certainties of life. Aging affects us all in different ways, partly due to genetics but mostly to do with lifestyle choices. In recent months I’ve been reading and writing about this a lot more, because I’m trying to find my own solutions to combat the inevitable as best I can.

 

The physios tell me that common issues they see in older athletes are reduced flexibility and range of movement which results in reduced ability to turn and look over the shoulder, a standard movement when driving or riding your bike. Increased tightness in the lower back, which means bending forward is more challenging. Tighter hips which means that squatting or lunging is more difficult.

 

Fortunately, cycling is a lot easier on the body than running and doesn’t require the same mobility as swimming. Nevertheless, reductions in mobility and flexibility can still present challenges when cycling. This is why I asked expert bike fitter Phil Burt to chat with me about adjustments that older riders could make to their bike set up to make cycling a little bit more comfortable, and therefore more enjoyable.

 

This is a great conversation with Phil, and we cover topics such as:

• being aero vs comfortable (11:00)
• shorter crank lengths (12:00)
• short nose saddles (36:30)
• pedal with more float(38:30)
• why disc brakes allow you to choose fatter tyres (46:20)

 

To find out more about Phil and the services he offers, please visit him at:

Website PhilBurtInnovation

Facebook - Philburtinnov

Twitter @PhilBurtInnov

Instagram PhilBurtInnov

YouTube Phil Burt Innovation

Linked In PhilBurtInnov

 

In this video, Phil explains his new approach to bike fit, performance, and comfort

 

Phil also recommended these books:

Start with Why by Simon Sinek 

Breath by James’s Nestor 

 

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please email her at Info@BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

 

To leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts CLICK HERE.

 

Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

 

Join our SWAT/High Performance Human tribe using this link, with a happiness guarantee! You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

Purchase a copy of my High Performance Human e-book featuring more than 30 top tips on how to upgrade your life.

If you would like to help offset the cost of our podcast production, we would be so grateful. Please click here to support the HPH podcast. Thank you!

Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here.  For any questions please email Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

How to unlock FREE running speed in just 12 weeks * Matt Pendola

As you know, I'm a huge advocate of the benefits of strength training for triathletes, which is why I love chatting with strength coaches on this podcast. Matt Pendola works closely with our recent guest Bobby McGee on their run technique programme, RunForm.

 

As a strength coach, Matt also has his own programme called the Pendola Project which is focussed on serving elite and professional athletes in a wide range of sports to help them build effective strength for their performance. He has worked with 2 Olympic Gold, a Sliver and a Bronze Medalists, and is currently coaching Ben Kanute.

 

I’d never chatted with Matt before but as he says “we could be brothers from another mother”. We had so much in common that it was difficult not to get side tracked about other topics. 

 

I learned a lot from Matt and I hope you're able to find some useful nuggets of information here as well:

 

• Connecting the dots - mobility then stability then strength (29:00)
• Building core strength to hold your posture longer (29:30)
• Getting the basics right + more consistency (1:05:00)
• The importance of a performance mindset (1:09:00)
• The 4 pillars of RunForm (1:15:00)
• Benefits of using resistance bands for your strength training (1:16:00)
• Finding time to fit in regular strength work without compromising your triathlon training (1:25:00)
• The importance of dynamic trunk control (1:30:00)

 

You can follow Matt on:

Instagram: @PendolaProject

Facebook: PendolaProject

Website: https://www.pendolaproject.com and check out his programs including a free movement improvement assessment and protocol

 

Some special offers from Matt for podcast listeners

Use this code —>>> MATT10. This will get you 10% off Matt's R3 strength program or RunFORM. Matt will also send you "Triathlon in season strength training anywhere" (bodyweight and bands) 6 week program at no additional cost (normally $100).

 

Listen to Matt and Bobby McGee on their RunFORM podcast

ask him any question on the free app: https://link.anyquestion.com/pendolaproject 

 

 

Matt also recommends this book:

The Fearless Mind by Craig Manning 

 

 

Ben Kanute Strength Training Videos

The process of getting faster

 

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please email her at Info@BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

 

To leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts CLICK HERE.

 

Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

 

Join our SWAT/High Performance Human tribe using this link, with a happiness guarantee! You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

Purchase a copy of my High Performance Human e-book featuring more than 30 top tips on how to upgrade your life.

If you would like to help offset the cost of our podcast production, we would be so grateful. Please click here to support the HPH podcast. Thank you!

Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here.  For any questions please email Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

Training Essentials for Ultra Running - Pt 2 with Jason Koop

This week we're back with part 2 of the podcast with Jason Koop.

When I thought more about our conversation I realised that ultra running is much more of an adventure than triathlon is. One of my primary goals as a triathlete was to choose races in venues where I might not normally visit. The potential to get even further off the beaten path is much greater in an ultra than it is in triathlon. It also feels like a much tighter community than triathlon is today. Maybe it reminds me of when I first started out in triathlon 30 years ago. I felt like a pioneer then, and I’m sure that's how some ultra runners feel now.

 

If you have ambitions to take on the ultra marathon challenge then you will enjoy this conversation as we discuss:

 

• Giving yourself time to prepare for an event is the biggest ergogenic aid (7:30)
• How to train for an ultra if you live in the city (15:00)
• Strength training for Ultra runners - "It Depends!!” (21:00)
• Ultra running nutrition - Keep it simple and avoid energy deficiency (35:20)
• The importance of hydration especially for races at altitude (52:00)
• Walking poles, footwear choice and hydration vests (56:15)
• Mental strategies for ultra runners (1:05:15)

 

To find out more about Jason Koop please visit the following social media channels: 

Website www.jasonkoop.com

Twitter @jasonkoop 

Instagram @jasonkoop 

 

Please check out Jason's best selling book, Training Essentials for Ultra Running

 

Jason also produces a really good newsletter. To subscribe, click on the link ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ https://www.jasonkoop.com/research-essentials-for-ultrarunning. 

 

Jason also recommended the following book which in his words, "I have actually been digging this book. It's currently my most dog-eared”

Endurance Performance in Sport by Dr Carla Meijen

 

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please email her at Info@BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

 

To leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts CLICK HERE.

 

Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

 

Join our SWAT/High Performance Human tribe using this link, with a happiness guarantee! You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

Purchase a copy of my High Performance Human e-book featuring more than 30 top tips on how to upgrade your life.

If you would like to help offset the cost of our podcast production, we would be so grateful. Please click here to support the HPH podcast. Thank you!

Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here.  For any questions please email Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

Training Essentials for Ultra Running with Jason Koop * Part 1 of 2

Here’s a question for you: Is ultra running the latest must-do sport for endurance junkies? Today's guest, Jason Koop, certainly thinks we will see more and more triathletes come into the ultra running space because it’s a lot cooler, and because of the partnership between Ironman and UTMB.

 

Jason is one of the leading Ultra Running coaches and author of the book “Training Essentials for Ultra Running”.  Jason actually started out as a triathlon and cycle coach in the early 2000’s and gradually became more focussed on coaching ultra runners. Back in 2004 there was little scientific research on the demands of the sport (6 research papers to be exact, and no books), so Jason did what all good coaches do: He went and observed.  In Jason's words, “I strive to bring the best out of each athlete using a combination of science based practice, intuition forged through decades of experience, and relentless care for the athlete as an individual."

 

If you have ambitions to take on an ultra marathon challenge, then you will enjoy this conversation as we discuss:

 

• Rate of perceived exertion and why it's a better intensity guide in ultra running than using heart rate (9:00)
• Best practices for ultra runners (15:00)
• Running economy and why it's not as critical for ultra runners (20:00)
• Why you must include environmental and terrain specificity in your training (22:00)
• Physiological determinants of good ultra runners (40:00)
• How long should the long run be? (53:00)

To find out more about Jason Koop please visit the following social media channels: 

Website www.jasonkoop.com

Twitter @jasonkoop 

Instagram @jasonkoop 

 

Please check out Jason's best selling book, Training Essentials for Ultra Running

 

Jason also produces a really good newsletter. To subscribe, click on the link ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ https://www.jasonkoop.com/research-essentials-for-ultrarunning. 

 

Jason also recommended the following book which in his words, "I have actually been digging this book. It's currently my most dog-eared”

Endurance Performance in Sport by Dr Carla Meijen

 

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please email her at Info@BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

 

To leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts CLICK HERE.

 

Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

 

Join our SWAT/High Performance Human tribe using this link, with a happiness guarantee! You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

Purchase a copy of my High Performance Human e-book featuring more than 30 top tips on how to upgrade your life.

If you would like to help offset the cost of our podcast production, we would be so grateful. Please click here to support the HPH podcast. Thank you!

Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here.  For any questions please email Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

A Masters World Champion shares his secrets * Dr. John Hellemans

Dr. John Hellemans is a well know sports-medicine doctor, triathlon coach, and author based in Christchurch, New Zealand. 

He has coached a large number of internationally successful triathletes, and fostered New Zealand’s global reputation in the sport. He has contributed to the wider sports community as a medical director for Triathlon New Zealand, Athletics New Zealand, and as a medical officer for a number of sports academies, training centres, and New Zealand triathlon teams competing at international events.

In addition to his coaching, John is an accomplished athlete: He was the World Masters Triathlon Champion eight times between 1994 and 2012, and an elite triathlon representative for New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in 1990.

As a person who has been around in the triathlon scene since the very start and very much engaged in the NZ endurance community, this was a really interesting conversation with  Dr. Hellemans about:

• The training methodology of Arthur Lydiard (a well noted fan of polarised training)
• Basic week concept 
• Strength training for endurance athletes (spoiler: he’s not a big fan!)
• Heart health for endurance athletes
• Coaching philosophies
• As a masters triathlon world champion, John also outlines how his approach to training has changed in his later years

 

To find out more about Dr. John Hellemans, you can go to his Twitter - @JohnHellemans

He is a regular contributor to Gordo Byrn's ‘Endurance Essentials’ 

 

Dr. Hellemans has also written several books:

Never, Ever Give Up? A Memoir, by John Hellemans

Tour Aotearoa. A Biker’s Tale, by John Hellemans

 

He also recommended a few other books:

Perform under pressure by Dr. Ceri Evans

The Art of Resilience by Ross Edgeley

 

As with many coaches, Dr. Hellemans is very approachable. If you would like to contact him please use the following email address:  tridochellemans@gmail.com

 

Many coaches view Arthur Lydiard as the forefather of Zone 2 training. To find out more about Lydiard and his training, visit the website for the Lydiard Foundation.

 

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please email her at Info@BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

 

To leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts CLICK HERE.

 

Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

 

Join our SWAT/High Performance Human tribe using this link, with a happiness guarantee! You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

Purchase a copy of my High Performance Human e-book featuring more than 30 top tips on how to upgrade your life.

If you would like to help offset the cost of our podcast production, we would be so grateful. Please click here to support the HPH podcast. Thank you!

Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here.  For any questions please email Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

How to go sub-8 hours for an Ironman with Sam Proctor

There aren’t many British Triathletes who have dipped under 8 hours for an Ironman. I can remember back to 1996 when Lothar Leder was the first man to break the sub-8 hour barrier and how we all thought that was superhuman. That was like the 4-minute mile for triathletes, and while there have been dozens of athletes since who have a finish time starting with a 7, that doesn't diminish the achievement. It's still superhuman!

 

Recently at Ironman Hamburg, Sam Proctor had the race of his life, crossing the line in 7hrs 55 minutes. This is the story of how he did it. We cover his journey and touch on the following:

• from self confessed “average triathlete” to getting his pro license, 
• the benefits of having a coach
• how Ironman racing has changed massively in the last 4-5 years 
• what it feels like to join the sub 8 club
• life as a pro triathlete - teamwork and harmony

To find out more about Sam Proctor or to follow him on social media please use the links below:

 

Facebook - Sam Proctor Triathlete

Instagram - @samproctortri

To leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts CLICK HERE

 

Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answering on the podcast, please email it to me via Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.

 

Join our SWAT/High Performance Human tribe using this link, with a happiness guarantee! You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

Purchase a copy of my High Performance Human e-book featuring more than 30 top tips on how to upgrade your life.

If you would like to help offset the cost of our podcast production, we would be so grateful. Please click here to support the HPH podcast. Thank you!

Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here.  For any questions please email Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.