Episodit
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There’s no such thing as a silly question—if it’s important to you, it’s worth asking!
As a coach, I love helping people solve their challenges, and curiosity is a huge part of that process. Asking questions and exploring ideas is how we grow, and I encourage you to keep them coming.
This week’s podcast is a little different—there are no guests, just me answering a selection of listener questions. If you’ve got a question you’d like me to address in a future episode, don’t hesitate to send it my way
Here’s what we’re diving into this week:
How to improve your swimming.Should you switch to carbon wheels to boost your cycling speed?Strength and conditioning: Is it better to train year-round or just in the off-season?The truth about Zone 2 training - does it really matter?Advice 60-year-old Simon would give to 30-year-old Simon as both a coach and an athlete.Tune in for actionable insights and advice tailored to your questions. Let’s keep the conversation going—your questions make this podcast what it is!
You can find all of my social media links HERE:
You’ll also find some really great content on my Instagram and YouTube!
Instagram
YouTube
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
**To download your FREE infographic ‘7 steps to swimming faster’, please click HERE
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
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.
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.
For any questions please email [email protected].
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In today’s episode I’m joined by Dr. Sam Shepherd, Head of Sports Science at Precision Fuel and Hydration, and a leading expert on lactate. Together, we dive into the fascinating world of lactate, training zones, and the cutting-edge Norwegian Method often associated with elite triathletes like Gustav Iden and Kristian Blummenfelt.
We wrap up by exploring the Norwegian Method - a high-volume, high-intensity training approach that emphasizes frequent threshold training and precise lactate testing to fine-tune performance. While it may seem like a modern innovation, the principles behind it have been around for decades. In fact, my own journey with lactate began in 1987, and it’s amazing to see how today’s tools bring more precision to what was practiced back then.
Topics we discuss on today’s show are:
What is lactate? Is it the villain in training or a misunderstood ally?Lactate thresholds: Understanding the key markers and why they matter.Measuring lactate: How it’s done in the lab or the field.The Norwegian Method: Is it revolutionary or simply refined?Practical insights: How athletes can use lactate data to enhance training.The future of lactate testing: Real-time monitoring and its potential to transform training.Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or sports science enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into how understanding lactate can elevate performance.
Listen now and unlock the secrets of lactate and cutting-edge training methodologies. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoy the show!
To follow Precision Fuel & Hydration please use these social media links:
Instagram: @precisionhydrationFacebook: @precisionhydrationTwitter: @thesweatexpertsYouTube: www.youtube.com/c/precisionhydrationLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/precisionhydration
Here is some other cool stuff you might be interested in:
Free online sweat test: https://sweattest.precisionhydration.com/pages/why-personalise-your-hydration-strategyQuick carb calculator: https://www.precisionhydration.com/products/precision-fuel-sample-pack/#thecarbcalculatorAthlete Case Studies: https://www.precisionhydration.com/athletes/case-studies/triathlon/
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter
Follow Simon on:
Instagram @thetriathloncoach
Facebook simonward1
YouTube TheTriathlonCoach
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].
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.
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 [email protected].
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Puuttuva jakso?
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Back by popular demand! Mrs. Ward returns to the podcast following the amazing feedback from her previous episode. This time, we dive deeper into the challenges she faces in the pool and explore solutions that resonate with many triathletes.
As a coach, I’ve seen these obstacles time and again, which inspired me to create the "7 Steps to Swimming Faster" infographic. You can download your FREE copy using the link in the show notes!
In this episode we break down the 7 steps, including:
Why having a swim coach is critical to your progressMake sure you practice drills that will help your specific technique issuesWhen more than 3 drills is TOO manyThe surprising role daily mobility plays in improving swim performanceHow mastering simple, tailored drills can make a significant differenceWhether you’re a beginner or a seasoned triathlete, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you swim faster and more efficiently.
Resources Mentioned:
Download the FREE 7 Steps to Swimming Faster InfographicDownload the 8 week daily mobility & strength programmeCheck out this video, which we mentioned in the show. It demonstrates really well the act of where to put the hand and forearm to initiate a good catch: The perfect freestyle catchSign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter
Follow Simon on:
Instagram @thetriathloncoach
Facebook simonward1
YouTube TheTriathlonCoach
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].
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.
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 [email protected].
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Have you ever wondered if plyometrics could boost your performance as a triathlete or distance runner? On today’s episode, we’re jumping into the world of plyometric training (see what I did there?) — what it is, why it matters, and how it can take your endurance game to the next level.
Joining me today is strength and fitness coach Joe Hotton, founder of Gym Geek, a sports science and personal training facility in Weymouth. With a BSc in Strength & Conditioning and extensive experience working with athletes across various disciplines, Joe is the perfect guide to help us navigate this topic.
We explore:
The different types of plyometric exercises for both the upper and lower bodyWhy endurance athletes should incorporate plyos into their routineThe importance of tracking "foot contacts" to measure training volumeHow to determine the right amount of plyometric work for your training scheduleDon’t miss this episode if you’re looking to enhance your strength, power, and overall performance as an endurance athlete!
To find out more about Joe visit these places:
Website GymGeekOnlineInstagram @gymgeekweymouth Twitter @jchotton If you’d like to find out more about Plyometrics check out these resourcesJoe mentioned both of these strength coachesMike Boyle -https://www.bodybyboyle.com/Eric Cressey - https://ericcressey.com/ Get started with Plyometrics. In the podcast Joe mentioned some simple movements that you could try:Mediball Slams
Pogo jumps
Counter Movement Jump
Bounds
Trapbar deadlift
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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This week, I’m thrilled to welcome a very special guest . . my wife, Bethany Ward! Beth is training for Ironman Austria 2025, and her last long-distance was back in 2019. We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share how I approach creating a training plan for a new athlete.
In this episode, we cover:
Structuring a training plan after years of focusing on other eventsHow to find the training volume sweet spot for balance and successThe high-performance habits of sleep, nutrition, and stress management that form the foundation of consistent trainingKey steps Beth can take to improve her swimming technique and efficiencyWhy an early physio visit is crucial for identifying injury risks, tight muscles, and weaknesses - and how this shapes mobility and strength plansIf you’re preparing for an Ironman in 2025 and wondering where to begin, this episode will give you the guidance and motivation you need!
Listen now and get started on the right track.
Beth has recommended the book Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect. “ 'Black and white' means you’re doing your job with competence and efficiency; “color” means you make people feel great about the job you’re doing for them." To grab hold of your FREE infographic '7 steps to swimming faster’, click HERE. To get your FREE daily mobility programme, click HERE.**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Claire Carlin, an accomplished age-group triathlete, karate black belt, and dedicated Assembly of God minister. Claire shares her journey as an athlete navigating the unique challenges posed by her co-occurring conditions of autism and dyspraxia, conditions that often impact her ability to perform coordinated movements. Despite these hurdles, Claire has tackled multiple triathlons, including three full-distance Outlaw triathlons, and recently achieved an impressive PB in each discipline at Ironman Barcelona – crossing the finish line in just under 15 hours.
Claire talks openly about how dyspraxia impacts her swimming, cycling, and running, and how she’s found creative ways to overcome each challenge. She also delves into the ways her faith fuels her athletic journey, including her role as a minister and her involvement in the Outlaw prayer gatherings.
I'm sure you'll enjoy this episode, as we discuss:
Claire’s journey from her first run in 2019 to finishing a full Ironman in under 15 hoursHow dyspraxia and autism shape her training approach and impact her performanceTips for overcoming skill-based obstacles in triathlon for those new to the sportThe importance of faith and community in her life, both on and off the race courseWhether you're struggling to master the skills required for triathlon or simply looking for some powerful motivation, Claire’s story reminds us that with perseverance and heart, we can accomplish extraordinary things.
Tune in for an episode full of insight, resilience, and inspiration!
Follow Claire on Facebook to keep up with her triathlon journey.
Claire has 2 book recommendations. She said you wouldn’t expect a minister to ignore the Bible, so she directs you to the Book of Hebrews.
As many others have, Claire also finds inspiration from Chrissie Wellington’s book ‘A life without limits'
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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Over 7 years I have recoded many podcasts on the topic of nutrition (you can find links for these in the show notes if you want to take a deeper dive into the topic). One topic we have not covered in detail to this point is female athlete specific nutrition. For our male listeners, please don’t turn off now. The information you are about to hear will be relevant to any female who works out regularly, and that could be your partner, mother, sister, daughter, training partner or an athlete you coach. To help me understand this topic I have asked Dr Jules Strauss to help me. Jules is a reader in Exercise Metabolism and Nutrition at Liverpool John Moores University where she has published over 40 peer reviewed scientific papers. She is also a Registered Nutritionist and the co-founder of Total Endurance Nutrition which provides sports nutrition coaching and consultancy. In the conversation we talk about:Nutrition fundamentals for female endurance athletes and whether these differ for male endurance athletes?How do these needs change through stages of a female's life? Are there any nutrition approaches that females should avoid (e.g. fasted training, low carb/high fat)How to best deal with topics like weight management, especially relevant if you are a coachWhat are some of the barriers that women can face to effective nutrition? Should women tailor their nutrition to their menstrual cycle? To find out more about Jules please visit the following places:A bit more about Jules - BioWebsite - Total Endurance Nutrition Instagram - @jules_strauss_nutrition @total_endurance_nutrition (This is Jules’ nutrition coaching business) International society of sports nutrition position stand: nutritional concerns of the female athlete This is one of Jules' papers if you want a deeper dive into the molecular mechanisms underpinning differences in metabolism across the menstrual cycle Two books highly recommended by Jules:The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. "I found this a fascinating read which explores long term thinking, growth mindset and resilience. Whilst not related to sports nutrition, I took some useful lessons from this book." Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez. "An interesting book exploring data bias. As someone who has conducted exercise physiology and metabolism research (for the last 20 years) in women as well as men, I understand some of the challenges that comes with this, but this book really highlights the scale of the data gap and the importance of bridging it." Here are the links to previous nutrition podcasts that I mentioned:Racing Performance:is being lighter truly an advantage? With Lexi KelsonHow to successfully combine plant based nutrition with running - Claire BartholicFuel for the Finish Line - Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten Free nutrition for athletes - Lexi KelsonRace day hydration and nutrition - lessons from 200 case studiesRace Day nutrition & hydration for athletes - 3 Case StudiesOne MASSIVE TIP for race day hydration and nutrition - Andy BlowIs it OK to eat a cheese and pickle sandwich to fuel my Ironman? - Race day nutrition with Dina GriffinSome simple truths about nutrition with Adam Feit from Precision Nutrition
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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He’s back and he did it!! Age group triathlete Paul Robinson returns to share his story of conquering Arch to Arc. You might remember that Paul was on the show at the beginning of September. At that point, he was waiting to start the Enduroman (Arch to Arc) challenge which is billed as the toughest triathlon in the world for good reason. Run 87 miles from Marble Arch to Dover, swim the English Channel (which is at least 21 miles and could be more due to currents), and then cycle 181 miles from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Only 59 athletes have ever completed the challenge. Paul also chose to swim without a wetsuit which only 6 of these 59 have done. I’ll spoil the surprise . . Paul finished the event AND set a new record of 67 hours beating the record by over 2 hours. I don’t think that this conversation can truly convey how tough a challenge this was for Paul. You will, however, get a real insight on how a tough mindset can help you overcome almost anything. In this episode we will chat with Paul and his father Dave about:Dealing with the cold while running, swimming and cycling during the nightIt’s all about mindsetF1 style pit stopsAmazing restorative benefits of 10-minute power napsUsing maths problems to pass the timeThe huge value of a support teamDave Robinson gives insight on the conflict of being a supporter and a loving parent To find out more about Paul please visit the following sites: The world's hardest triathlon 30min YouTube video - Arch to Arc world recordJust Giving charity link - Stand Against MND If you fancy a crack at Enduroman, check out their website
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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Since starting the podcast in 2017, I've been fortunate to speak with quite a few Olympic Gold medallists. It’s even more fun when you have known them since before that victory and observed their progress. Today’s guest is Leeds-based triathlete, Jess Learmonth. I've known Jess for quite sometime, and I'm so pleased to be chatting with her today! About 8 or 9 years ago she started swimming with our Masters group at the Survival Saturday session. 2 hours of pain overseen by our enthusiastic coach, Alan Hutchinson. Jess went right into the top lane and then carried on. As you’ll hear in the show she was getting back into the pool after a 6 year absence. She’d started to dabble in triathlon and, because of the huge engine she built as a younger swimmer, she progressed very quickly. It wasn't long before she was selected for British Triathlon funding and a pathway through to the elite squad. Arguably the strongest swimmer in the sport, Jess often emerged first from the water, and as one of the best cyclists, she then set the tone on the bike, hammering away at the front. As you’ll hear, running was a struggle for Jess. The ‘floppy ankles & feet’ required to be a good swimmer definitely do not help with running. In the conversation there’s a great message from Jess’ run coach Malcolm Brown about the value of consistency in training. Please listen out for that one.Jess and I also chat about:The brutality of swimming squads for young athletes and why it “drained the life" out of JessWhy triathlon swimming seems so easy in comparisonHaving patience and building resilienceFloppy ankles and not being a natural runnerThe hot, surreal experience of winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021Pregnancy, motherhood and why there are more important things in life than triathlonTo find out more about Jess you can go to:Website - JessLearmonth.comInstagram - JessLearmonth Jess recommended the book Scientific Training for Triathletes by Phil Skiba Jess is a keen Leeds United fan and loves this podcast Square Ball: The Leeds United Podcast
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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Age group athletes are the lifeblood of triathlon They are the ones who pay to enter races, and they make up 99% of the start list. Back in the day when I began in triathlon, the athletes were lifers. I can name a dozen or more who did their first event in the late 80's/early 90's who're still doing triathlons today. But in more recent years, triathlon seems to have become transient, with athletes coming into the sport for a few short years and then moving onto another sport. Two of those who've stuck with the sport are my guests today, Duncan & Claire Shea-Simonds. Duncan started out in triathlon not long after me (1989) although he was significantly younger. Claire started her journey in 1997. In fact, I still have some results from back in the day which contain both their names. Since those beginnings they have been regular participants in popular UK races, as well as international events like Ironman. Both have raced at the Ironman World championships in Hawaii, and both have also represented GB at various age group championships. Race results and fitness are important to them but as you will hear, they also have a simple life and pay a lot of attention to nutrition, strength training and hobbies outside of training. Especially Claire who, according to Duncan, has 101 different hobbies and a craft cupboard full of bits and pieces. They’ve been doing this together for over 25 years, so clearly they have a great relationship as well. As with all of my guests we cover a lot of topics including: Duncan talks about how to maintain enthusiasm after 35 consecutive years of racingHow as a couple they manage their racing calendar and supporting each other at eventsClaire talks about training pitfalls when working from homeDuncan talks about the benefits of using the daily commute for trainingAvoiding comparison with their younger self as performances decline with ageHousehold chores and who does the cooking - turns out that they both like to do their stuff in the kitchen To find out more about Duncan & Claire check out:Instagram - Claire - @clairesstri Duncan @dss123X(Twitter) - Claire - @clairesstri Duncan @dss123
Both Claire and Duncan recommend the following book as a MUST READ:
The Longest Race:Inside the secret world of abuse, doping and deception of Nike's elite running team by Kara Goucher
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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"Simon, I’d like to lose some weight before my next Ironman event. I’m going keto!” Believe it or not, I hear this on a regular basis and it makes me anxious for the individual. Keto diets have been very successful in helping individuals lose weight although that's mostly due to the body needing to store less water from the reduced carbohydrate intake. True keto is also very restrictive and difficult to sustain for more than a few weeks. It is also stressful on the body. Training for an Ironman is also stressful on the body, which is why attempting both at the same time has the potential for disaster. Having said that, I’m sure there are folks who have done this successfully and if you are one of them, I’d love to hear your story. The truth is that there are much healthier options for losing weight, if indeed you really need to lose any at all. My guest today is Registered Dietitian, Lexi Kelson, who's making her fourth appearance on the show. She has a Master’s degree in Applied Nutrition with a focus on fueling for sports performance and is the perfect person to help us to understand the best approaches for endurance athletes to lose weight. In the world of social media there is a lot of noise, and it is difficult to work out what is nonsense and what to believe. So, if you are interested in getting to your race weight in a health and sustainable way for next season, by the end of this episode you will have a step by step process to help you do exactly that. We talk about:Do you really need to lose weight, and if so, why?Confounding factors which influence performance and weightBalancing health and performance goalsHow to track and monitor weight lossStrategies for sustained weight lossInfluences of behaviour and cultureSome considerations for aging athletesBalancing training and nutritionGuidance for peri & menopausal females regarding weight gain/weight lossAre meal replacements (such as Huel) a suitable alternative to real food?
To follow Precision Fuel & Hydration please use these social media links:
Instagram: @precisionhydrationFacebook: @precisionhydrationTwitter: @thesweatexpertsYouTube: www.youtube.com/c/precisionhydrationLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/precisionhydration
Here is some other cool stuff you might be interested in:
Metabolic adaptation explained: Ponzer study: Are you fueling adequately to maintain health and performance? RED-S: Optimal bodyweight for racing: is lighter really better? https://www.precisionhydration.com/performance-advice/hydration/racing-body-weight/#the-danger-of-focusing-on-weight-lossFree online sweat test: https://sweattest.precisionhydration.com/pages/why-personalise-your-hydration-strategyQuick carb calculator: https://www.precisionhydration.com/products/precision-fuel-sample-pack/#thecarbcalculatorAthlete Case Studies: https://www.precisionhydration.com/athletes/case-studies/triathlon/
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].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 [email protected].
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In last week's email I briefly mentioned my adventurous spirit and pursuit of ’triathlon tourism’.
Today’s podcast guest, Chris Brown, shares a similar and maybe even more enthusiastic approach to life. Chris is a triathlete, racing driver, entrepreneur, Guinness World Record Holder and explorer. I’ve known Chris for about 20 years. We first met through our local triathlon club, Leeds/Bradford, and Chris and his son Mika swam in my session every Wednesday. For as long as I have known Chris he has always pushed the boundaries be it in business, with his fitness, or with the challenges he takes on. While triathlon has taken a back seat in recent years, I think it’s fair to say that regular swim, bike and run sessions help him to maintain the fitness levels required to take on all of these adventures. In this conversation we talk about:A passion for exploring and trying out new thingsWhy exploring requires physical fitness, problem solving skills and lots of planningHis trips to the Centre of Africa, Antarctica, and the middle of the Pacific locating poles of inaccessibilityChris’ early involvement with the ill-fated Titan submarine and why he pulled outSetting a Guinness world record You’ll no doubt agree that Chris is a man who gets a lot done. I really enjoyed finding out what makes him tick! In fact there was a lot that I didn't manage to ask him, so maybe I’ll have to persuade him back for another chat. To check out Chris' past adventures, and to follow him on his upcoming adventures, please visit the following places:Instagram @chrisbrownexploresYouTube @chrisbrownexplores Website brown.co.ukVIDEO: Visiting Point Nemo. The most remote place on earth https://youtu.be/9I_pgS6-suc When I asked Chris for his book recommendation he said, “Any Atlas of the World. When you hear about a place on the news, be it in Ukraine, Gaza, North Korea or anywhere, why not look up where it actually is and what's close?"**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].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 [email protected].
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My guest today is Matt Spooner, who recently completed the Trans Continental Race - a 4200km non-stop bike ride from Roubaix in France, down to Istanbul in Turkey. Apart from the start & finish, there are 5 checkpoints and several compulsory sections known as parcours. There are also some roads which are banned, generally because they are unsafe for the riders. After that the route is completely open to the choices made by the riders. This event isn’t just about cycling for many days. It’s also a logistical challenge and a heaven for any one who likes planning. This is a podcast that was recorded in 2 parts. In the first half you’ll hear me having a short (30-minute) conversation with Matt while he is actually riding his bike through Greece, about 3/4 of the way to his destination. We chat about:Route selection and how that's working outSome of the problems he has encountered along the wayEquipment choices Daily nutrition on the road.In the second half, Matt and I are speaking a few days after he has finished the event. We then reflect on his overall performance and also:Whether executing the plan is more satisfying than the time and positionHis decisions to stop and sleep in a hotel each night versus camping by the side of the roadWhy finishing an event like this is more about being able to eat as much as you can than having a high FTPMore about equipment choices Mindset for tackling TCR To find out more about Matt, please visit the following social media channelsInstagram - matt_still_tri_ingFacebook - matthew.spooner.927LinkedIn - Matthew Spooner If you haven’t yet seen the documentary about the Transcontinental Race, I can highly recommend it:Onboard the Transcontinental Race Some links to topics covered in the podcastDietEfficacy of Popular Diets Applied by Endurance Athletes on Sports Performance: Beneficial or Detrimental? A Narrative Review"I recently read this paper, it's a nicely balanced review of multiple different research papers into different diets. It's a good resource for people who are interested in the best diet.” BooksThe Endurance Diet: Discover the 5 Core Habits of the World's Greatest Athletes to Look, Feel, and Perform Better - Matt FitzgeraldI also really enjoyed The Rise of the Ultra Runners by Adharanand Finn - I identify myself very strongly in this book."
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].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 [email protected].
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As we all start to consider the ways in which we can improve our performances after 2024, I think it is really useful to consider the role that sleep plays. More and harder training is often the first resort for many athletes seeking improvements in fitness. What if you were to do similar training to the previous season, but explored ways in which you could make that training more productive? Like a rising tide that lifts all boats, more or better quality sleep improves everything. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that I don't believe there is any circumstance where more sleep has a negative impact. In today’s show I’m joined by Sport Sleep Specialist Dr. Luke Gupta who practices with the Better Sleep Clinic. He has over a decade of experience working within high performance sport, including premier league football teams, England rugby, The Lionesses, and Formula 1, to name a few.In this conversation Luke and I chat about:The 2 way relationship between sleep and performanceIndividual sleep needs are unique and should be determined through trial and errorHow to get better sleep when travellingLimitations of sleep tracking devicesThe 3 top fundamentals of good sleep To find out more about Luke and to dive deeper into sleep health with his book and research recommendations, please check out the links below:Website - The Better Sleep ClinicInstragram - The Better Sleep ClinicLinkedIn - The Better Sleep ClinicLuke recommends the following books:The Reality Bubble: How Science Reveals the Hidden Truths That Shape Our World by Ziya TongInsomniac by Gayle GreenLuke recommends the following books:The Reality Bubble: How Science Reveals the Hidden Truths That Shape Our World by Ziya TongInsomniac by Gayle GreenResearch PapersDoes Elite Sport degrade sleep quality? A systematic reviewSleep and the athlete. A narrative review and expert consensus recommendationsThe 5 principles of good sleep health
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].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 [email protected].
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What do you think is the toughest triathlon in the world? Ironman Lanzarote, Norseman, ICON Livigno? They are all tough and have a legitimate claim, but what about this one? Enduroman, also known as Arch to Arc. The athletes attempting this will run 87 miles from London to Dover, then swim at least 21 miles from Dover to France (distance could be more depending on currents/tides), and finally bike 181 miles from Calais to Paris. There have only ever been 59 finishers! The latest to attempt this is Yorkshireman Paul Robinson. Paul is a seasoned triathlete and has been involved in the sport for over 30 years. He has completed several ultra distance events, as well as 3 Channel swims, so he has no illusions about what he is attempting. He is taking on Enduroman to raise money for charity, after being inspired by Nottingham triathlete Sam Perkins who now suffers from MND. Sam has set up his own charity Stand Against MND. This is Part 1 of a 2 part episode, and in this conversation we’ll talk about:Specific logistical challenges for EnduromanHow do you train for an event like this?Body fat for warmth vs weight loss for running How and what Paul eats/drinks while running, swimming and ridingMental strategies for staying focussedThe impact of the great British weather To find out more about Paul please visit the following sites: Just Giving charity link - Stand Against MNDThis is Paul’s interview with BBC Derby when he talks about the challengeBBC website article on Paul's Challenge - Derbyshire man prepares to take on the worlds hardest triathlon Paul's inspirational book - Becoming Brutal by Claire Smith - first British athlete ever to complete a continuous Double Deca Iron Distance triathlon. 48 miles of swimming, 2,240 miles of cycling and 524 miles of running in 28 days.
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].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 [email protected].
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"If you want to run faster, move better." That's the advice of several top running coaches I have spoken with. It’s particularly important for us older athletes, because as you might already know (and be experiencing) lack of mobility is part of the aging process.
Fortunately, today's guest Tim Anderson from Original Strength has a solution to the mobility loss, he calls it 'Pressing Reset’. As humans we are designed and born to be strong and healthy throughout our entire lives, and in our conversation Tim will explain how 5 simple movements that we all learn as babies literally builds our brain and ties our nervous system together. The cool thing about those movements that we're born with is that we keep them forever. We don't lose them! In the conversation Tim explains how, with just 10 minutes of easy movement every day, you can tap back into those original movements, no matter what age you are, and rediscover your original strength. We talk about a lot of concepts that we have discussed in previous podcasts, such as:Nose breathing at rest and during exerciseHead and eye control and how it impacts postureRocking, rolling and crawling - The basis of simple movementThe secret to aging wellBorn to Run, going barefoot and how to walk wellHow to Press Reset as part of your daily routineTo find out more about Tim Anderson you can go to:Website OriginalStrength.netYouTube Original StrengthFacebook Original StrengthInstagram Original Strength Get a Copy of Tim’s book Pressing Reset: Original Strength Reloaded How to discover your own Original Strength**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].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 [email protected].
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Gravel biking is growing really fast, and as much as I like being on my road bike, I find gravel riding much more fun. I discovered gravel riding during the pandemic, which is also what happened to this week's podcast guest. She is professional gravel racer Danni Shrosbree, and she races globally for the Felt UN1TD racing team. She was UK National Gravel Champion in 2022, runner-up in 2023, and has finished 4th in the world famous Unbound Gravel race in Kansas.What makes this conversation even more enjoyable is that Danni is the first child of a previous guest, Bernie Shrosbree, who was on the show in 2019. Danni and I chat about:Athletic influences from Mum and DadHow a diverse athletic childhood helped shape her current careerDoing the OtillO swim/run event with BernieGravel racing and how to prepare for itFocussing on sleep and nutrition for the best recovery To find out more about Danni Shrosbree please check out the following channels: Website Instagram - @dannishrosbreeYouTube - @dannishrosbree - Danni has some cool videos on her channel.
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].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 [email protected].
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Kay Bretz is an ultra-runner and corporate leader from Australia. Kay has a passion for inspiring the magic, and shares his life lessons in his book Turning Right. Kay thrives on embarking on quests which appear impossible. He was already accomplished in the corporate world, before going on to seek personal growth by entering the world of ultra-running where he learned to master the inner game. He began a challenging journey of emotional development where he learned to let go of his limiting beliefs. This resulted in him lifting his performance by 22% in 18 months, and in the process becoming the fastest-ever Australian at the 24-hour world championships in 2019. His insights go beyond what it takes to achieve world-class results, and have helped him since to be a more effective corporate leader.He believes that anyone can step into their greatness – all we need is the courage to walk new paths in the midst of chaos, and making the choice to "turn right". Some of the topics we cover in the conversation are:Talent vs hard workHaving a growth mindset and being agileThe ‘mystery run’ and getting out of your comfort zoneDaily meditationBeing the happiest person on the start line To find out more about Kay please visit the following channels:Website: https://turningright.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-bretz/ To find out more about:a) Kay’s ultra running exploits check out this reflection on his most recent 135-mile race b) Kay’s thought leadership practice, check out this introduction video, Turning Right. To purchase a copy of Kay’s award winning book,Turning Right, click here (available as audio, book and e-book). Kay also recommends the following book: "The High-performance Mind. Mastering brainwaves for insight, healing, and creativity" by Anna Wise. Here's a quote from the book: “A high-performance mind is one that can enter at will the state of consciousness that is most beneficial and most desirable for any given circumstance.”
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].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 [email protected].
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In last week’s podcast about recovery, our guest Natalie Brown told us that there were 3 key elements to good recovery - sleep, nutrition and stress management.
One area which many athletes (and non-athletes) are keen to explore is a plant based diet. There is certainly plenty of anecdotal evidence about how it can improve health and performance. In his book, Eat and Run, Scott Jurek attributes a change to plant based eating as being instrumental to his success in the ultra running world.
What better way to find out about how to combine running with a plant based diet than talk to someone who advocates just that?
Coach Claire Bartholic has helped hundreds of runners chase their dreams and conquer what they never thought possible. Her coaching philosophy combines science-based training, plant-based running nutrition, and proven mindset techniques to unlock every runner's true potential.
She's a certified running coach, sports nutrition specialist, mom, and borderline obsessive plant lover.
As an athlete herself, she went from a 4:02 first marathon all the way to a 2:58 finishing time at the age of 42, entirely plant-based.
She coaches vegan, plant-based, and plant-curious runners to achieve the same dramatic success, from those on a walk-run program, general fitness, up to high-level athletes.
Conversation topics include:
Plant based vs vegan vs vegetarian dietsHow to successfully switch to a plant based dietPlant based eating and weight loss for runnersStrength training for runners and why it’s almost impossible to gain weightPlyometrics, HIT and Z2 trainingTo find out more about Coach Claire please visit the following channels:
Website:The Planted Runner
Author of The Planted Runner: Running Your Best with Plant-Based Nutrition
Host of the top-rated Planted Runner Podcast
Instagram: @theplantedrunner
Email: [email protected]
Some other resources you might like to check out:
'Forks over knives’ documentary which inspired Claire to try a plant based diet
Claire talked about a plyometrics video on her YouTube channel
The Planted Runner Podcast: 5 ways strides can transform your running
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].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 [email protected].
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Building fitness in the long term is quite a simple equation. You workout, and then you recover. If you get the balance of these two right, you should see a steady upward progress over time. Most folks I know and work with are pretty good at the training part, but maybe they could do better on the recovery side. I don’t know about you, but over the years I’ve come to appreciate the recovery part a lot more! Fortunately, my guest today is an expert in recovery. Dr Natalie Brown (who you may remember from her podcast with me on menopause a few months ago) has done an awful lot of research on this topic. Throughout Natalie’s career working in elite sport, recovery has been a primary focus to optimise performance. Since completing her PhD, Natalie has continued to implement recovery strategies in practice, alongside lecturing at Swansea University on this topic. Natalie’s approach to recovery is underpinned by understanding what you are recovering from and ensuring fundamentals of sleep, nutrition and stress reduction are in place when approaching recovery in sport.How long does it take to recover from an Ironman? It depends! (1:55)If you truly believe a recovery process works then it probably does for you (27.35)You don't need wearables to monitor your recovery (35:14)Why you might feel like you are getting a cold when tapering for an event (39:32)How to make sure you don't get ill after a big event (46:39)There's no evidence that recovery is slower in older athletes (58:00)Menopause DOES impact the ability to recover (1:01:50)The 3 TOP ways to recover, and they are all FREE (1:05:58) To find out more about Natalie Brown and her work please visit these channels:Instagram Optimal.Period Website www.optimalperiod.com, You can find some other great resources using the following links:Podcasts The Female Athlete, For continued education please check out Menstrual cycle online coaching modules:UK Coaching resources I also asked Natalie to recommend a book. This is her choice:Good for a Girl Lauren Fleshman
**To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**
To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via [email protected].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 [email protected].
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