Episodi

  • Welcome back to the show!!! Erin and Kayla talk about Erin's move to Colorado, how her training has been while settling in there, and then go into Kayla's race at Michigan 70.3 while 13 weeks pregnant. We go on a little bit of a rant about drafting, then head into our thoughts on the Women's Ironman World Championships Preview and end with some listeners questions regarding tri suits and open water swimming.

    Cheers!
    Kayla and Erin

    PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE PODCAST www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
    02:59 Adjusting to New Environments
    05:58 Triathlon Training Challenges
    09:01 Kayla's Race Experience During Pregnancy
    18:04 Race Dynamics and Drafting Issues
    27:06 Emotional Reflections on Racing
    30:02 Upcoming Ironman World Championships
    39:58 Listener Questions and Answers

  • This conversation is part of a series called 'Road to Ironman World Championships in Nice' where Kayla interviews and shares the stories of people who have qualified for the women's world championship in France. In this episode, Kayla chats with Rachel Goyette, who has qualified for the Ironman World Championships. They discuss Rachel's background, her experience working at previous world championships, and her excitement for participating in the upcoming race. They also talk the importance of women recognizing their accomplishments and deserving the best equipment. Rachel shares her training focus for the race and offers advice for balancing training, work, and family life. The conversation revolves around the excitement and positive vibes surrounding the women's race at the upcoming triathlon in Nice. They discuss the potential benefits of having separate race days for men and women, allowing women to have their own spotlight. They also touch on the challenges faced by women in balancing multiple roles, such as being a mom, a career woman, and an athlete. Overall, they emphasize the importance of women's empowerment and the need for more women to participate in endurance sports.

    CHEERS!!
    Kayla

    Please help support the podcast and join the Patreon Community www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know Rachel Goyette

    03:34 Rachel's Experience Working at the Ironman World Championships

    05:04 Disparity Between Men and Women in Triathlon

    10:17 Balancing Training, Family, and Work

    14:30 Training for the Challenges of the Nice Course

    19:37 Letting Go of Perfection and Embracing Adaptability

    24:43 Excitement for the Ironman World Championships

    26:02 The Joyful Atmosphere of the Race in Nice, France

    27:32 Exploring France and Enjoying the Local Food

    32:49 The Importance of Women Having Their Own Race Day

    37:00 Balancing Motherhood, Career, and Athletics

    43:57 Empowering Women to Participate in Triathlon

    48:30 Embracing Joy and Gratitude in Racing

  • Welcome back to the Week 12 Pregnany Update! In this episode I talk a bit about how I have been feeling, go over some really high level aspects of how training has been going, talk about the fact that it is race week and how I feel about racing pregnant as a Professional. Lastly, I chat about how I chose a Midwife group vs. an OBGYN group.

    Hope you enjoy!
    Kayla

    Send any questions you may have to my instagram at @kayla-bowker-4

    Help support the podcast at www. patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background
    02:49 12 Weeks Pregnant: Challenges and Symptoms
    08:01 Training and Racing While Pregnant
    11:45 Preparing for a Race at 13 Weeks Pregnant
    19:32 Choosing a Supportive Healthcare Provider
    21:26 Managing Energy and Fatigue
    24:12 Update on Training and Racing Plans
    28:25 Empowering Yourself During Pregnancy

  • Chelsea Wolfe, a former college swimmer and triathlete, shares her journey to the Ironman World Championships in Nice. She brings a lighthearted and fun atmosphere to the sport of triathlon. Chelsea discusses her training, including the challenges of training in the Arizona heat and the benefits of indoor training. She also talks about her experience at Ironman Texas and her excitement for the upcoming race in Nice. Chelsea reflects on her transition from swimming to triathlon and the mental strength she has developed through her training. In this conversation, Chelsea Wolfe and Kayla discuss the challenges of training for triathlons, particularly on a treadmill, and how to balance training with a full-time job and travel. They also talk about the importance of representation and accessibility in triathlon, especially for women. Chelsea shares her tips for traveling with a bike and her excitement for the upcoming race in Nice.

    Cheers!!!!

    HELP SUPPORT THE PODCAST www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast


  • Part one of my pregnancy series where I plan to share all aspects of pregnancy as a Professional Triathlete and mom of two toddler boys. This episode is a combination of week 7 update and week 8 update in which I was honestly feeling really pretty horrible so I apologize if it is a little down trodden sounding. It is raw and vulnerable which I believe very strongly we need to have more of in the pregnancy journey.

    Thank you for following along!
    Cheers!
    Kayla

    For more along this journey -- I will do specific episodes answering questions on my patreon page at www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast

  • Becky McQuain shares her journey in triathlon and her experience qualifying for the Ironman Nice World Championships. She talks about her first Ironman race and the joy and excitement she felt crossing the finish line. Becky discusses her training for the championships, including ocean swimming and climbing practice. She expresses her excitement for the women's only event and the opportunity to be part of the first women's World Championships in Nice. Becky emphasizes the importance of rest, consistency, and setting realistic goals. She also discusses the value of gratitude and finding joy in the process. Becky opens up about dealing with a physical challenge and the power of sharing her struggles with others. She highlights the supportive triathlon community and the impact that age groupers have on inspiring others. Becky encourages athletes to remember their positive impact on the sport, regardless of their race day performance.

    HELP SUPPORT THE PODCAST www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background
    02:52 Qualifying for the Ironman Nice World Championships
    06:19 Becky's First Ironman Experience
    09:35 Preparation for the Championships
    13:03 Training for the Swim and Bike
    15:39 Excitement for the Run and Loop Course
    17:36 The Significance of the Women's Only Event
    19:57 The First Women's World Championships in Nice
    22:44 Nervousness about the Time Change
    26:43 Finding Joy in the Training Process: Gratitude and Patience
    31:49 The Power of Sharing Struggles: Support from the Triathlon Community
    37:27 Inspiring Others: The Impact of Age Groupers in the Sport

  • Welcome to the Road to Ironman World Championships 2025 Nice France Series. In this episode we sit down with Jennifer Vollmann to talk about how powerful it has been for her daughter to witness an all womens field, where she qualified, how training has been going, we dive into her experiences in Extreme Triathlon and how she balances training for standard triathlon with Extreme Triathlon.

    Jennifer and Kayla discuss their excitement for the Ironman World Championships and the unique experience it offers. They talk about the camaraderie among triathletes and the joy of being surrounded by like-minded individuals. They also touch on the women's pro field and the unpredictability of the race. Jennifer shares her goals for the race and emphasizes the importance of mindset and perseverance in triathlon. They discuss the challenges and sacrifices women face in the sport and the need for more recognition and support. Jennifer provides her social media handles and website for those interested in following her journey.

    Cheers!
    Kayla

    Please help support the podcast at www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background
    04:57 The Impact of Women's Races
    06:44 The Challenging Bike Course in Nice
    10:43 Balancing Extreme Triathlons and Traditional Triathlons
    14:29 Preparing for Extreme Triathlons at High Altitudes
    22:08 Pushing Personal Limits in Extreme Triathlons
    24:46 The Excitement of the Ironman World Championships
    27:49 Setting Personal Goals for the Race
    29:50 The Potential for Unexpected Outcomes in the Women's Pro Field
    32:27 The Importance of Women's Representation in Triathlon

  • I won't spill the beans here in the description you'll have to listen to the episode for some REALLY BIG FUN NEWS!!!!!

    We also answer your questions:
    - What courses are best for PRs,
    - Calf Sleeves,
    - Peeing on the Bike
    - Different body types in triathlon and how powerful it is that we are in a sport that has different body types
    - Staying motivated towards really long term goals

    Cheers!
    Kayla and Erin

    PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE PODCAST www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast

    Looking for a triathlon coach to help your goals? We are taking on athletes - www.whereyourfeettakeyou.com

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
    00:30 Training and Life Updates: Mountain Biking, Gravel Riding, and Moving
    08:26 Managing Stress and Illness: Prioritizing Self-Care
    21:46 Exciting Announcement: Kayla's Pregnancy
    22:01 Choosing the Right Bike Course for a PR
    29:38 Improving Performance with Arrow Calf Sleeves
    30:04 Aero Benefits and Use of Compression Sleeves and Calf Sleeves
    36:26 Knowing When to Retire Cycling Shoes
    41:07 The Challenge of Peeing on the Bike
    46:37 Body Image in Triathlon: Power and Performance
    53:23 Staying Focused on Long-Term Goals

  • Coming soon the Road To Nice World Championships series. To include mini interviews and episodes with women who have qualified for the race. We will chat about how they qualified, what they are excited for, and more!!!
    Episodes will start dropping in September! Stay tuned.

    Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast
    Cheers Kayla

  • Back with a huge list of questions this week!!! In this episode we cover the following:

    -- Using a gravel bike for triathlon training
    -- Supplement usage and how important it is to be an informed athlete
    -- HR training
    -- When your watch and treadmill don't match
    -- importance of strength training.
    To check on what supplements are legal use the resource www.usada.org.
    Cheers! Kayla and Erin

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST PLEASE!!!! www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast
    Chapters
    03:20 The Benefits of Gravel Riding
    07:06 Breaking Barriers: Age in Sports
    09:05 Exploring the Use of Supplements in Triathlon
    23:14 Legal Supplements in Triathlon
    35:05 Managing Discrepancies Between Watch and Treadmill Paces
    37:44 Using Heart Rate Monitors for Recovery and Intensity
    43:43 The Role of Strength Training in an Athlete's Training Program

  • In this episode, Kayla and Erin discuss their recent experiences and check in on their training progress. They also talk about the water quality issues at the Olympics and share their thoughts on short course and draft legal racing. Kayla and Erin discuss various topics related to triathlon, including the strategic decisions made by athletes during races, their favorite athletes to watch, training while traveling, and handling the injury grieving process. They also provide insights into training during travel, suggesting that athletes should adapt their workouts based on the time of year and their racing goals. Additionally, they discuss the use of carbon shoes in training and the need for athletes to rotate their shoes to prolong their lifespan. Finally, they share tips for handling the emotional process of dealing with injuries, including allowing oneself to grieve and focusing on the present moment to make the best decisions for long-term development.

    Cheers! Kayla and Erin

    PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE PODCAST www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Check-In
    06:17 Water Quality Issues at the Olympics
    14:05 The Appeal of Short Course and Draft Legal Racing
    20:28 Favorite Triathletes to Watch
    23:02 The Strategy of Not Wearing a Wetsuit
    29:13 Training While Traveling: Adapting Workouts Based on Time of Year and Racing Goals
    37:35 The Use of Carbon Shoes in Training: Limitations and Benefits
    43:27 Handling the Emotional Process of Dealing with Injuries in Triathlon

  • In this episode of the Where Your Feet Take You podcast, host Kayla Bowker interviews Lisa Becharas, a pro triathlete coach and member of the Real Triathlon Squad. Lisa shares her journey as a triathlete, including her successes, injuries, and surgeries. She emphasizes the importance of staying positive and having a strong support system during challenging times. Lisa also discusses her love for different endurance sports, such as triathlon, XTERRA, and mountain biking, and how she balances her training for each discipline. Lisa Becharas shares her experience as a guide in triathlon races, specifically for visually impaired athletes. She highlights the importance of finding a strong cyclist as a guide and the challenges of navigating the sport's rules and regulations. Despite the challenges, she finds joy in racing with her athlete and witnessing her success. Lisa also discusses the rewarding aspect of guiding and the selflessness it brings to the typically selfish sport of triathlon. She talks about the adrenaline and pressure she felt to be Taylor's guide and the importance of taking opportunities when they arise. Lisa also discusses the incredible abilities of para-triathletes and the different categories in paratriathlon. She expresses her hope for more development races and support for women in the sport. Lisa shares her upcoming race plans and her excitement for the future of triathlon.

    Takeaways

    Staying positive and having a strong support system can help athletes navigate through injuries and setbacks.
    Finding joy and having fun in the sport of triathlon is essential for long-term success and fulfillment. Being more than just an athlete and building meaningful relationships with sponsors and supporters is crucial for professional athletes.
    Celebrating the accomplishments of others can create a positive and motivating environment for personal growth and success. Guiding in triathlon races requires finding a strong cyclist as a guide for visually impaired athletes.
    he incredible abilities of para-triathletes and the different categories in paratriathlon
    The need for more development races and support for women in the sport

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background
    02:20 Getting to Know Lisa Becharas
    06:06 Navigating Injuries and Setbacks
    12:45 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
    18:14 Finding Joy and Fun in Triathlon
    21:27 Balancing Training for Multiple Endurance Sports
    23:50 The Appeal of Mountain Biking and Leadville 100
    29:41 The Dynamics of Guiding in Triathlon
    35:32 Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success
    38:21 The Importance of Accessibility in Triathlon
    40:46 The Joy of Racing with a Visually Impaired Athlete
    43:08 Remaining Open to Future Guiding Opportunities
    45:42 Racing with a Visually Impaired Athlete
    51:18 The Limited Racing Opportunities for Women
    55:39 The Need for More Development Races and Sponsorship Support
    58:24 The Financial Challenges of Being a Pro Triathlete
    01:01:40 The Love for the Sport and Competing Against Amazing Athletes

  • In this conversation, Kayla Bowker interviews Clarice Chastang, a professional triathlete, about her life as a working professional triathlete. They discuss Clarice's upcoming race at Lake Placid Ironman, her goals in the pro series, and the challenges of competing against full-time athletes. They also talk about imposter syndrome, the lack of respect for mid-level pros, and the difficulties of balancing training with work and family responsibilities. Clarice emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of the present opportunity and making the most of it. Clarice discusses the importance of finding balance in her triathlon journey and not letting it consume her entire life. She emphasizes the need for supportive family, partners, and friends who understand her passion for triathlon. Clarice also reflects on the lessons she has learned about herself through triathlon, including her determination and discipline. She shares her experience of transitioning from self-coaching to working with a coach, which has helped her build a strong aerobic base and improve her nutrition. Clarice sets goals for upcoming races and expresses her gratitude for the triathlon community.

    PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE PODCAST www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Clarice Chastang
    03:02 The Challenges of Being a Working Professional Triathlete
    07:34 The Lack of Support for Mid-Level Pro Athletes
    13:33 The Importance of Recovery and Self-Care
    18:25 Finding Motivation as a Pro Athlete
    30:19 Finding Balance in Triathlon
    32:57 Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People
    36:26 Lessons Learned: Being Present and Setting Goals
    42:42 The Transition to Working with a Coach
    53:24 The Role of Nutrition in Performance

  • We go a different route this week and start the episode out with some hot takes based on some news in the triathlon world, Kayla may or may not get little spicy about it... Then we go into your questions of when should you start carb loading, where is the best place to live as a triathlete, should we do structured workouts on the bike outside, and lastly how we go into races believing in ourselves.
    Cheers!
    Kayla and Erin

    Please help support the podcast -- your support goes a really long ways to helping keep the podcast running at www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Passion for Triathlon
    03:34 Erin's Hip Recovery and Training Progress
    09:53 Triathlon News: T100 Series and Annie Haug
    19:20 Triathlon News: Sam Laidlow's Disqualification and Validation
    28:12 Penalties in Races
    30:59 Start of answering your listener questions
    36:08 Structured Workouts Outside
    45:32 Belief and Grounding
    55:01 Best Places to Live

  • This week on the podcast we are back answering your questions we share with you our tips for traveling to races, what the different type of running zones are and a brief overview on how they are utilized, getting started with specific bikes in triathlon, and staying present and having faith in the process when sick or injured; as well as more. Thank you for your questions we love answering them!

    PLEASE help support the podcast, we don't do ad reads on the podcast and your support really goes a long ways to helping make things easier. www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast

    If you would like some WYFTY stickers reach out to Erin on instagram @erin.oli

    We also have merchandise available now for pre - order!!! Message Kayla at instagram at @kaylabowker_ for more information.

    Cheers!!!

    Kayla and Erin!!!!

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Overview
    10:16 Travel Tips for Triathlon Races
    27:46 Recovery and Fitness Build Plan
    31:31 The Challenges of Different Endurance Sports
    38:11 Understanding Training Zones and Their Benefits
    52:09 Choosing the Right Bike for Triathlon
    56:05 Starting Out in Triathlon: Any Bike Will Do
    59:14 Training Appropriately in Each Zone

  • We are back this week going over your questions and talking about all things triathlon and between. As always we do our best to provide our insight and a little bit of fun
    -- the challenges of open water swimming
    -- Understanding your sweat rate and making sure you take enough electrolytes
    -- A fun game of ick and not ick in triathlon -- Our best mental performance tools -- the power of celebrating your wins
    -- Training and racing with music in triathlon
    And so much more!!!

    Cheers! Kayla and Erin

    Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Overview
    06:15 Balancing Training and Life Commitments
    16:04 The Challenges of Open Water Swimming
    20:42 Understanding Sweat Rate and Electrolyte Needs 25:27 Finding the Right Music for Training
    26:33 Dealing with Insurance Issues
    28:14 Prioritizing Mental Health in Endurance Sports
    31:28 Understanding Individual Preferences in Training and Racing
    31:34 Turn-offs in Triathlon
    40:57 Nutrition Programs: Get Fuel In
    46:29 Caffeine and Racing
    49:49 Mindset Tools: Mantras and Self-Talk
    51:25 Celebrating the Process and Desired Feelings
    58:27 Lucy Charles Barclay: A Dynamic Athlete

  • Another packed episode headed your way!! We cover Kayla's race at Boulder 70.3 and how she over came a lot of the mental hurdles from loosing her nutrition, how to choose an aero helmet, bike shoes, wetsuits, snacks after a long run, racing on your period, and more. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions and make sure to listen to the episode to find out our winner this week for the swim cap and run cap.

    Please help support the podcast: www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast
    Looking for a triathlon coach? We would love to work with you!! www.whereyourfeettakeyou.com
    Swim analysis with Coach Erin: https://www.whereyourfeettakeyou.com/swim-analysis

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
    03:10 Managing Challenges and Staying Positive
    08:02 The Thrilling Finish of the San Francisco T100 Men's Race
    15:22 Choosing the Right Aero Helmet for Your Needs
    26:53 Fueling Strategies for Post-Run Recovery
    29:33 Audience Questions: Pasta or Rice for Dinner? 3
    3:30 The Dominance of Athletes in Triathlon
    36:00 Finding the Right Wetsuit Fit
    39:16 Favorite Local Independent Triathlons
    42:40 Choosing the Right Bike Shoes
    50:18 Overcoming Setbacks During a Race
    56:22 The Power of Mindset in Triathlon

  • In this episode, Kayla and Erin talk about Erin's recovery from surgery, Kayla's upcoming race in Boulder, and tips for getting back into swimming after a break. They also discuss maintaining mental resilience and focus during the final days leading up to a race and during the race itself. Finally, they address the transition from racing just to finish to racing to compete and share strategies for staying motivated and engaged during a race. In this part of the conversation, Kayla and Erin discuss the challenges of balancing a triathlon lifestyle with relationships and dating. They emphasize the importance of open communication and finding someone who understands and supports your passion for triathlon. They also address the question of why swimmers have bigger flip turns, explaining that a larger turn allows for a more powerful push off the wall. Erin also provides an update on her post-op physical therapy for her hip labrum surgery.

    PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE PODCAST www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast

    Need Triathlon Coaching?!?! www.whereyourfeettakeyou.com

    Cheers! Kayla and Erin

    Takeaways

    Don't be afraid to be bored during race week to reduce cognitive load and stress.
    Create mantras or affirmations to stay focused and positive during the race.
    Race against other athletes or set goals to pass specific people during the race to stay engaged and motivated.
    Change your perspective and focus on racing to be the best version of yourself rather than just finishing. Transitioning from training in a team environment to training alone can be challenging, but finding motivation and setting personal goals can help.
    Maintaining mental resilience and focus during the final days leading up to a race and during the race itself is crucial for optimal performance.
    Balancing a triathlon lifestyle with relationships and dating can be challenging, but open communication and finding someone who understands and supports your passion is key.
    Swimmers have bigger flip turns because it allows for a more powerful push off the wall, leading to faster swimming.
    Post-op physical therapy for hip labrum surgery involves exercises to maintain muscle firing, blood flow restriction training, and proprioceptive exercises to improve stability and strength.

  • Lindsey Wilson, a mental performance coach and the owner of Positive Performance. Lindsey shares her journey from being an athlete to becoming a mental performance coach and entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of managing the mind and using tools like affirmations, visualization, and positive self-talk. Lindsey also discusses the Mindset Coach Academy, her certification program for aspiring mental performance coaches. The program focuses on living mental performance coaching, teaching and coaching others, and selling and marketing mental performance coaching services. They talk about how guided visualization can be used with athletes to create pre-race plans and reduce anxiety. They also discuss using guided visualization with clients on a month-to-month basis to help them relax and release tension. Lindsey emphasizes the importance of starting with simple tools like journaling and deep breathing for entrepreneurs and athletes who are navigating their own journey of rewiring their brain. They also highlight the need to redefine mental performance and embrace vulnerability in order to open up to new possibilities.

    Free Guide on How to Become a Mental Performance Coach
    https://www.positiveperformancetraining.com/a/2147564556/mL3duam

    Join the waitlist for the Mindset Academy https://www.positiveperformancetraining.com/a/2147501865/mL3duamJ

  • Amy Gargin, a pelvic floor physical therapist and endurance athlete. We discuss the importance of pelvic floor health for moms and athletes, and how pelvic floor therapy can help address issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Amy explains that the pelvic floor muscles need to be able to fully relax and contract, and that dysfunction can occur for various reasons, including childbirth, chronic constipation, and trauma. She emphasizes the importance of awareness and proper coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, and provides cues and exercises for both relaxation and strengthening. They also discuss the benefits of pelvic floor therapy for expecting moms and postpartum moms, and the role of stress in pelvic floor health. In this conversation, Amy and Kayla discuss various aspects of pelvic floor health for athletes, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. Amy also addresses the specific needs of athletes transitioning back into sports or exercise after giving birth, including rebuilding core strength and addressing diastasis recti. The conversation highlights the need for increased awareness and normalization of pelvic floor health and the importance of seeking pelvic PT care after giving birth.

    Work with Amy https://pelvicrehab.com/practitioner/amy-gargin-pt-dpt/
    Help Support the Podcast at www.patreon.com/whereyourfeettakeyoupodcast
    Cheers! Kayla and Erin