Join us for an enlightening discussion on optimizing your endurance training and race preparation in this latest episode. We kick things off by exploring the critical importance of race selection and early planning. Using an example from Liz in Rhode Island, we illustrate how selecting a race well in advance can strategically benefit your training schedule, travel plans, and equipment needs. This proactive approach allows athletes to make thoughtful decisions that enhance their chances of success and reduce stress. Listen in as we cover effective strategies for managing heat and pacing during ..read more

Unlock the secrets to effective triathlon training and immerse yourself in a world of vibrant athleticism with our special guest, Mark, an age-group triathlete who juggles his regimen between the sun-soaked streets of Miami and the bustling avenues of Washington, DC. Hear Mark’s firsthand account of the unique hurdles and perks of Miami’s flat landscapes, paired with the perks of its warm winters and thriving swimming and cycling communities. Plus, get a peek into Mark’s amusing strategies for balancing remote work and training, including his innovative use of a magnetic screen door for dog tr ..read more

Get ready to transform your endurance journey as Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation reveals the secrets behind our unique European training camps. Learn why shifting from a performance-driven mindset to one of exploration and enjoyment can vastly enhance your athletic experience. From breathtaking rides to cultural immersion, discover how our camps offer a refreshing alternative to the typical, high-pressure race preparation.  In this episode, I unpack the key lessons learned from hosting four incredible camps this year and explain why they could be the best investment for your fitness i ..read more

Balancing family life and rigorous training is no easy feat, but racing close to home offers unique flexibility and greater involvement with loved ones. Reflecting on the Chattanooga 70.3, we share how family commitments, like my daughter's dance recital, influenced our choices and how a home training setup kept us on track. The journey wasn't just about physical preparation but also navigating the planning and personal growth that came with it. Facing a significant setback with a bike accident in 2022, I had to rethink my training strategy for Ironman Chattanooga. We turned the focus to volum ..read more

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your athletic potential with our latest episode. Discover how to effectively extend your rest periods beyond what you might think is necessary, ensure you're getting at least eight hours of high-quality sleep, and eliminate those sneaky, unnecessary sugars and calories from your diet. We’ll share expert strategies for reducing overall life stress by tweaking your workout load structures—keeping the frequency but dialing back the duration and intensity. Learn how these adjustments can make a significant difference in alleviating training stress and promoting opt ..read more

In this episode of the Endurance Nation podcast, Coach Patrick emphasizes the critical importance of rest and recovery for endurance athletes. Proper recovery not only prevents burnout but also enhances overall performance and longevity in the sport. Key Strategies for Rest and Recovery: Rest Hard: If you think you need two days off, take four. Commit to doubling the rest period you believe you need to ensure full recovery. Focus on getting eight-plus hours of sleep each night and eliminate stimulants like caffeine and sugar late in the day to help your body unwind. Clean Eating: Cut out u ..read more

In this episode of the Endurance Nation podcast, Coach Patrick outlines key warning signs that indicate you might be heading into a mid-season slump. Understanding these signs early can help you make necessary adjustments to avoid fatigue and maintain peak performance. Key Warning Signs: Difficulty Sleeping: Not just trouble falling asleep, but restlessness and overheating at night, indicating your body is overworked and struggling to recover. Plateaued Progress: If your training efforts aren't translating into performance improvements or you're experiencing unexpected performance dips, it ..read more

In this episode of the Endurance Nation podcast, Coach Patrick dives into the all-too-common issue of the mid-season slump and shares expert strategies to help you avoid it. The mid-season slump can derail even the most dedicated athletes, leading to fatigue, stalled progress, and waning motivation. But with the right approach, you can stay on track and achieve your goals. Key Points Covered: Recognizing the Signs: Learn to identify early warning signs such as difficulty sleeping, plateaued progress, and emotional instability. Catching these signs early allows for timely adjustments to ..read more

Ever feel like your heart's racing before you've even dipped a toe into open water? That's the anxiety Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation is here to tackle. With a wealth of experience and a calming influence, he's your guide through the choppy waters of open water swimming anxiety, providing practical advice that's crucial whether you're gearing up for your first swim sans pool lanes or you're a seasoned swimmer looking to refine your open water technique. During our session with Coach Patrick, he doesn't just throw you in at the deep end; he equips you with a life jacket's worth of strategi ..read more

Have you ever felt your heart rate spike—not from the workout but from the whirl of traffic as you pedal along? I'm Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation, and I get it. That surge of anxiety when a truck zooms by a little too close is real, and it's precisely what we're tackling in our latest episode. Here, I lay out the tools to help you manage those fears, from choosing off-peak hours for your rides to potentially embracing an indoor trainer as your new best friend. Trust me, it's not about never feeling afraid; it's about leveraging that fear to remain alert and alive on the road. This week ..read more