Fitter Radio: Triathlon, Endurance, Nutrition

We chat to Bec Burns, Partnership Manager for FulGaz, about her experiences in Kona. Plus she tells us about the upcoming launch of the new IRONMAN Virtual Series – an opportunity to test yourself on segments from 12 of the best IRONMAN bike legs from around the globe. Dorian Coninx was recently crowned World Triathlon Champion after an incredible race in Pontevedra. We share excerpts from his podcast interview with the World Triathlon Podcast. GQ Magazine talk to Jan Frodeno about “how he makes his pre-race overnight oats, eating enough to get stares in buffet lines, and winding down with a beer”. Ciara Feely has a BSc. in Mathematics and Statistics and an MSc. in Sociology and Data Analytics. Her PhD topic is about using recommender systems to support physical exercise, particularly in the field of marathon running. We share excerpts from her full interview out tomorrow where she discusses her work into predicting injury risk for marathoners and provides actionable explanations so that runners can under

We discuss Sam Laidlow’s recent posts on social media about the allegations of doping made against him and the investigation currently underway. Sarah Crowley has also posted on social media about issues with online bullying. We review the racing from the weekend at IRONMAN Portugal, Challenge Vieux Boucau and Superleague, plus we share Beth Potter’s interview with World Triathlon Podcast. (0:01:23) – Sam Laidlow is being investigated for doping. (0:04:25) – Infinit Nutrition 10% discount for all our listeners (0:05:01) – ULTRO Earbuds 15% discount for all our listeners with the code ULTRO15  (0:06:27) – Peter Heemeryck wins IRONMAN Portugal (0:12:00) – Sam Laidlow investigation – other athletes questioned about the allegations (0:20:44) – Sarah Crowley’s online bullying post (0:24:38) – We review the racing at Challenge Vieux Boucau and Superleague. (0:28:23) – We share Beth Potter’s interview with World Triathlon podcast (0:49:06) – Hayden Wilde’s race at Superleague plus we discuss the new IRON

Martin Gibala Ph.D. is Professor and Chair of the Kinesiology Department at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. His research on the physiological and health benefits of high-intensity interval training has attracted worldwide scientific attention. In this episode we discuss his work in sprint interval training versus traditional interval training, it’s effectiveness plus how each influences an endurance athlete's VO2 max and overall performance.  Bob Seebahor is a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, the former Director of Sports Nutrition for the University of Florida and served as a Sport Dietitian for the US Olympic Committee. He has created a free YouTube presentation called the GI Distress Masterclass in which he talks about the root causes of GI distress in endurance sports and discusses ways to improve digestive health. We touch on the significance of hydration, the impact of environmental conditions and the role of psychological stress, plus we examine the importance of implementing d

Dr. Kevin Miller is a Professor in the Dept of Health & Human Performance at Texas State University In this episode we chat to Dr Miller about the complex topic of exercise-induced muscle cramping. We separate fact from fiction and challenge some long-standing myths around muscle cramping. Dr Miller shares his knowledge of the physiology, prevention, and treatment of cramping, and explains how this led to his in-depth research into the topic. His findings in relation to sweat and electrolyte loss, the role of the central nervous system and dehydration provide some new insights into cramping and how it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Finally, we explore how stress, nutrition and sleep can all contribute to cramping and discuss the importance of keeping a cramping diary to identify individual patterns and key mitigating factors. More about Dr. Kevin Miller – Professor: Dept of Health & Human Performance Texas State University at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-miller-334aab236 Dr Kevin M

Brad Harris recently won the free race entry to the Ultra Trail Kosciuszko. We find out more about him. Dr. Sam Impey of Hexis helps us unravel the significance of protein for athletes. We discuss the consequences of under-eating protein for endurance athletes and explore the research around the optimal amount of protein needed and the best timing for protein intake. Learn how protein plays a crucial role in managing energy intake, improving metabolic rate, and the importance of a last protein dose before bed. We highlight how protein is not just crucial for muscle repair, but also plays a vital role in maintaining the epithelial lining of the digestive tract and in the creation and functioning of mitochondria, our cells' energy powerhouses.  Tim and Bevan review the weekends racing from Superleague and 70.3 Langkawi plus we give our predictions for Kona. Finally, we share excerpts from our upcoming interview with Dr Kevin Miller of Texas State University on the topic of exercise-associated muscle cramps

Bevan and Tim catch up on the weeks news plus they chat about the value of coaching for athletes. Michael Rand won the free race entry to IM703 Western Sydney. We hear about how his race went plus he tells us more about his recovery protocols including Bio Meridian Therapy. We also discuss the benefits of recovery systems compression boots for recovery. Dr Sam Impey is back on the show and in this episode we discuss the importance of within session fuelling, coming soon to the HEXIS App. Lastly Dr Kate Baldwin of Endurance Movement and the new Valere App talks to us about ‘The Interference Effect’ and how to most effectively schedule our strength and conditioning training around endurance training. Kate is also offering all our listeners one month’s free access to the Valere App with the discount code GYMANDCOFFEE (0:02:43) – Jason West going back to racing Olympic distance (0:05:05) – Ben Kanute racing Superleague (0:05.48) – Taylor Knibb’s name is on the start list for Kona (0:09:39) – Michael Rand

In this episode we explore the journey of professional triathlete Rebecca Clarke. From her recent victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast to her racing experiences around the world, Becs opens up about her trials, tribulations and triumphs and how her experiences this season have been a great learning opportunity. We discuss Bec’s transition from ITU to long distance triathlon and how her strong swimming background has helped her excel in middle and long distance racing. We also reflect on some of Bec’s past races including her learnings from those races and strategies that have helped her improve along the way.. Finally, we focus on the nitty-gritty of training and preparing for Kona - the ultimate race. We discuss the importance of pacing, avoiding injury and building a robust training base. Becs talks about how she mentally gears up for the big day, highlighting the importance of knowing the course and why having a solid marathon will make all the difference. Join us as we cheer on Becs in her journey

How should athletes respond when penalties – fair or otherwise- are handed out. We talk about some recent cases. Doug Gordon won the free race entry to the IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo. We find out more about him. Joe Skipper has asked whether after years of being self-coached he should now be considering getting a coach. We chat about why he should. Kiwi pro triathlete Rebecca Clarke has recently won the IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast, we bring you some excerpts from our full interview with Becs which is out tomorrow. We bring you finish line interviews with World Champions Beth Potter and Dorian Coninx plus Bevan and Tim discuss the WTCS racing from the weekend. (0:03:29) – Athletes and penalties (0:13:02) – Doug Gordon (0:19.36) – Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 (0:19:58) – Coached versus Self-Coached (0:29:08) – Teresa Adam racing last weekend (0:34:39) – Excerpts from our interview with Rebecca Clarke (0:44:57) – Beth Potter and Dorian Coninx plus we review the WTCS racing from the

Kirsty Wood won the free race entry to the IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast. We hear from Kirsty about how it all went. We discuss the benefits of supplementing with creatine plus we share Mikki’s interview with Professor Darren Candow – an expert in the field. Kate Baldwin of Endurance Movement and Valere Endurance comes back on the show to share her expertise in the field of Achilles Tendinopathies. We learn about what we can do to prevent this type of injury plus the different ways we can manage the recovery. We also hear about the kind of rehab work we can focus on in the gym to aid recovery.  (0:10:57) – Kirsty Wood talks about her race at the IM703 Sunshine Coast (0:18.26) – Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 (0:22:23) – Prof Darren Candow on Creatine (0:34:00) – Dr Kate Baldwin and Achilles Tendinopathies LINKS: Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at  https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ Note: For the code to work you need to have created an account and be lo

A fascinating conversation with Coach Peter Leo, Endurance Training Scientist with Australian Cycling. Our chat ranges from his research into critical power and speed to his analysis of the determinants of durability in athletes. We demystify the mathematical model that underpins power over speed and time - a crucial concept in helping athletes improve their performance. We learn about the differences between absolute and relative power output and how to measure them. We discuss the importance of torque production in power output and athlete performance. Peter Leo shares his invaluable experience in assisting triathletes to qualify for World Championships and offers insight into specific exercises that can improve torque production. We delve into the determinants of durability in athletes, the role muscle typology plays in athletic endurance and the importance of psychological ability for athletic performance Finally, we highlight the potential implications and value of Peter Leo’s research for the

We review the racing at the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice this weekend and share the audio from the post-race press conference with the top 5 athletes. We discuss power on the bike and the importance of torque production in power output and athlete performance. We review the work done by Jeroen Swart and John Wakefield - Managing Partners at Science to Sport in this space plus we share excerpts from our full interview with Dr Peter Leo, Endurance Training Scientist with Australian Cycling, out tomorrow. (0:00:00) – IRONMAN World Championship Nice. (0:08.46) – We review the racing from the IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast at the weekend. (0:09:57) – UTMB and the popularity of trail running. Plus we have a free race entry to give away to the Ultra Trail Kosciuszko in Australia. (0:14:20) - Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 (0:14:34) – Power production on the bike. (0:17:16) – Brad George – winner of the free race entry to IM Western Australia (0:27:53) – Power on the bike, the brai

Scottish Professional Triathlete David McNamee has been living and training in Girona for a decade. We hear his account of how over that time Girona has transformed into a hub for cyclists and triathletes. David talks about his decision to sign up for IRONMAN Italy in a bid to qualify for Kona next year and how a previous injury to his hand means avoiding technical bike courses that might require a lot of braking. We discuss his views on the complexity of the PTO series and the challenges of getting top athletes to commit to all six races in the series. Plus, he candidly talks about the communication gaps between the PTO, IRONMAN and Challenge, the implications of the late timing of the 70.3 World Championships for both professional and age group athletes and the potential benefits of collaboration between the three main race organisers. LINKS: Follow David McNamee on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/davidmcnameetri/ 

The bike course at the IRONMAN World Champs in Nice will define this race. We chat about bike set-up and how FulGaz might be a great way to help you prepare for the bike course. We chat to the Partnership Manager for FulGaz, Bec Burns, about the IRONMAN World Champs Nice course. Bec tells us more about their Coach Cast initiative using pro triathletes to talk us through ascending and descending on the Nice course, plus we hear more about their plans for the IRONMAN World Champs course in Kona. Race Motos and draft rules – the huge advantages for elite swimmers exiting at the front of the race. Why do IRONMAN still insist on keeping the 12 metre draft rule.  Lastly, we bring you excerpts from our full interview with David McNamee, out tomorrow. (0:00:50) – The OSM Challenge Wanaka Multi and Duathlon 2023: Saturday 28th October. A great intro for the Kathmandu Coast to Coast (0:04.28) – IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo: Changes to the bike course and more slots to the World Champs in 2024. (0:08:37) – The bike descent

Kombucha is a complex probiotic beverage made from fermented tea, we review a study which examines kombucha’s effect on blood sugar response after a high carbohydrate meal. We hear from Shay McLeod, winner of a free race entry to IRONMAN 70.3 Melbourne. Bevan and Tim catch up on the weekend’s racing including the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Lahti.  (0:04:59) – Kombucha and gut health (0:11.32) – Competition for a free race entry to IRONMAN Western Australia (0:13:13) – Shay McLeod, winner of a free race entry to IM703 Melbourne (0:21:30) – Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 (0:22:06) – Coaches Catch Up with Tim Brazier LINKS: Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at  https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ Note: For the code to work you need to have created an account and be logged in. The Kombucha study “Glycemic index and insulin index after a standard carbohydrate meal consumed with live kombucha: A randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial” at ht

British Pro Triathlete Joe Skipper is currently in Font Romeu training for the upcoming IRONMAN World Champs in Nice. We catch up with Joe to talk about his recent record-breaking performance at IRONMAN Lake Placid, a much-needed confidence boost ahead of Nice. Plus, we hear more about his training leading into World Champs and his thoughts around the race. We also discuss his new venture, Valere - a strength training app created in collaboration with Dr. Kate Baldwin of Endurance Movement. Joe takes us through the various features of the app and its potential to transform strength and conditioning for triathletes. Lastly, we hear Joe’s thoughts on racing the PTO events and why he chooses not to do them. LINKS: Follow Joe Skipper on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/notanotheraveragejoe/ More about Dr Kate Baldwin and Endurance Movement at https://endurancemovement.com/ More about Valere Endurance at https://linktr.ee/valere.endurance The Valere Training app at https://apps.apple.com/au

Bevan and Tim catch up on the weekend’s racing including the Paris Test event and the PTO Asia Open in Singapore plus we share Vasco Vilaca’s down the blue carpet interview. Joe Skipper gives us his thoughts on the recent PTO announcement regarding their partnership with World Triathlon Also, Joe tells us all about his collaboration with Dr Kate Baldwin of Endurance Movement on a new Strength and Conditioning App called Valere. (0:01:50) – We review the IRONMAN races in Ireland, Sweden and Canada (0:07:02) – Competition for 1 years free access to the HEXIS Nutrition app (0:12:27) - INFINIT Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ (0:13:08) – Dr Kate Baldwin of Endurance Movement (0:14:53) – Joe Skipper tells us about his new Valere Strength and Conditioning app (0:20.26) – The PTO announce their partnership with World Triathlon – Joe Skipper gives us his opinion (0:30:24) – We review the Paris Test event (0:34:35) – Vasco Vilaca in ‘Down the Blue Carpet

Australian Professional Triathlete Grace Thek shares the highs and lows of her professional triathlon career and her current journey towards recovery from an L5 vertebrae stress fracture. Grace’s story is one of dedication and determination demonstrated by the challenges she’s faced and overcome in her growth as a professional triathlete. A notable part of our conversation was her struggle with imposter syndrome and how she has built her confidence and belief over the past year. Looking ahead, Grace is hopeful and excited about the future. She’s looking forward to the 2024 season and the opportunity to compete in the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Lake Taupo. Tune in to hear more about Grace’s inspiring journey. LINKS: Follow Grace on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gracethek/

We chat to Richard Kingsford, Coffee Club member and winner of the free race entry to the Noosa Triathlon. Dr Chiel Poffé obtained his Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science as well as his PhD in Exercise Physiology. He is one of the lead researchers investigating ketone bodies and their role in response to exercise and training. We share excerpts from Mikki’s interview with Chiel Poffé about his research. Lastly in our Coaches Catch-Up Bev and Tim discuss the recent departure of Joel Filliol from Triathlon Australia and its potential effect on athletes leading into the Paris Test Event. We chat about the line up for the upcoming PTO Open Asia race plus we bring you excerpts from our interview with Grace Thek out tomorrow. (0:11:09) – Competition for a free race entry to IRONMAN 70.3 Melbourne (0:12.38) – Richard Kingsford (0:19:16) - INFINIT Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ (0:21:36) – Exogenous ketones - excerpts with Dr Chiel Poffe (0:37:

Dr. Sam Shepherd is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Nutrition at Liverpool John Moores University. Mikki and Bev discuss his work on the effects of the blackcurrant supplement CurraNZ on athletic performance. We share excerpts from Mikki’s interview with Dr Shepherd where he talks about the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and how it helps to improve both fat oxidation and adaptations in muscle-related substrate metabolism. Lastly in our Coaches Catch-Up Bev and Tim review the weeks racing and share some VO2 workout ideas. (0:07:37) – Competition for a pair of ULTRO Earbuds (0:08:00) - INFINIT Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ (0:08.15) – CurraNZ – The benefits of this blackcurrant supplement and its role in improving athletic performance. Plus use the code MIKKI for a 25% discount off your first order. (0:10:52) – Dr Sam Shepherd on HIIT and the benefits of CurraNZ on performance and recovery (0:28:17) – Simon Cochrane

This week on the podcast we chat to Michael Rand, winner of the free race entry to IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney. Bevan and Tim discuss the Thomas Steiger doping ban and drug testing in sports.  Jack Moody debriefs us on his race at Alpe d’Huez and the strength of French triathlon. We share Vincent Luis’s interview where he reflects on Tokyo 2020 and looks ahead to Paris 2024. (0:07:48) – Michael Rand, winner of the free race entry to IM703 Western Sydney (0:16:43) - INFINIT Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ (0:24.03) – The French Triathlon Scene (0:27:46) – Gustav Eden won’t be at the Paris Test Event (0:31:09) – Vincent Luis from Down the Blue Carpet. (0:49:50) – We chat to Jack Moody post his race at Alpe d’Huez Triathlon. LINKS: IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney at https://www.ironman.com/im703-western-sydney Infinit Nutrition 10% discount using the code FITTER10 at  https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/ Note: For the code to work you need to have