Road to Ironman Western Australia, Episode 2: Big Training Weeks, Sweat, and Smash-or-Pass

The crew is back to break down a demanding week of Ironman Western Australia training. They compare TrainingPeaks numbers, share standout swim, bike, and run sessions, and talk through the challenge of managing fatigue, fueling, and injury worries. Then it’s on to the lighter stuff: race-day food cravings, shower physics, running tights etiquette, and the team’s latest smash-or-pass picks. Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off   Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes.    Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas  

In this episode, the panel discusses training strategies, race preparations, coaching relationships, and the economics of racing at Kona and other events. They share insights on optimizing training, managing costs, and making the most of the off-season. In this episode, we explore the nuances of triathlon racing, including race strategies, sponsorship dynamics, and the mental aspects of training and competition. Our hosts share personal stories, controversial takes, and insights into the sport's evolving landscape.   Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off   Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes.    Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas  

Nick Chase and Lisa Becharas recap their time on the ground at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, from the punishing heat and wind to the race-day drama that had everyone watching. They discuss Solveig’s collapse and incredible comeback to the finish, Vincent Luis’s stunning victory in his first Kona, the athletes and stories the broadcast missed, and whether the pros deserve more support and prize money. Plus: the underpants run, the podcast’s Kona fantasy draft, plans for Western Australia, and a few things that grind their gears. Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off   Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes.    Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas  

It’s Kona week, so the Real Triathlon Podcast crew is putting their race predictions to the test with a high-stakes athlete draft. Jackson, Lisa, and Nick each get a $100 budget to bid on top contenders, while Garrick who hosts the draft has to pick up the scraps. Everyone then chooses who’ll handle the swim, bike, and run—with an alternate in case of a DNF. They break down their picks, debate likely race winners, and share a few Kona training stories along the way. Who built the strongest teams, and who will come out on top?  Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off   Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes.    Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas  

The crew recaps a chaotic race weekend that turned a canceled New York 70.3 into an unexpected trip to Augusta—and a standout day for the team. Jackson Laundry explains his winning performance, while Nick Chase shares how he raced to a career-best 70.3 podium at age 40. Lisa Becharas also talks about a frustrating mechanical at the World Triathlon Championships in Spain, exhausting travel, and the group’s ongoing debate over future races in Florida, New Zealand, and Western Australia. Plus, the athletes recount their last-minute road trip from New York to Georgia and discuss racing with Race Ranger.   Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off   Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes.    Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas  

The boys are back for race week, breaking down their preparation for 70.3 New York, unpredictable weather, swim-cancellation rumors, equipment choices, and pre-race fitness. They also recap Mark’s impressive Cozumel 70.3 victory and discuss Lionel Sanders’ performance. The conversation then turns to Supertri and why its fast, action-packed format could be triathlon’s best opportunity to attract mainstream viewers. Plus, they discuss Annie’s recent success in Europe, the upcoming Real Triathlon Squad camp in Cozumel, sponsorship challenges facing professional athletes, influencer marketing, and the Breakthrough Foundation. To finish, the crew plays another round of Pass or Smash and grinds their gears about highway traffic, merging, and drivers who cause accidents during rush hour.   Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off   Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes.    Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas  

In this episode, we explore the motivations behind training and competing in triathlon, the importance of momentum, and insights from recent races. Our hosts share personal experiences, race analyses, and discuss the future of the sport. Lisa Becharas shares her experience at Ironman 70.3 Nice, insights on racing, travel challenges, and her motivations for competing at a high level. This episode offers practical tips and behind-the-scenes stories from the race and travel adventures. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT   Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off   Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes.    Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas  

Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off   The legendary Voice of IRONMAN, Mike Reilly, joins the Real Triathlon Podcast to talk about his new book, Finding Your Finish Line: The Voice of Ironman Mike Reilly. Mike takes us behind the microphone to share the stories, lessons, sacrifices, and unforgettable moments from decades spent welcoming athletes across finish lines around the world. We talk about what “You are an IRONMAN” really meant to him, life after full-time announcing, and why finding your finish line is about so much more than racing. An episode packed with triathlon history, perspective, laughs, and wisdom from one of the sport’s most iconic voices.   Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes.    Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas  

In this episode, the hosts discuss their recent training experiences, race strategies, travel hacks, and the latest triathlon news, including race predictions and industry updates. They share insights on workout planning, race day tactics, and the future of triathlon technology. In this episode, the panel discusses the future of race technology, draft detection, and the impact of new innovations on age group racing. They also share humorous takes on triathlon culture and play a fun guessing game with quotes from famous athletes. Training and workout planning for triathletes Travel tips and hacks for race preparation Latest triathlon news and race predictions Industry updates including UTMB and race sponsorships Insights into professional athletes' routines and strategies Race Ranger technology and its impact on age group racing The potential for new categories requiring race devices Data collection improvements and athlete experience Humorous athlete quotes and culture in triathlon Fun guessing game with athlete quotes Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off   Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes.    Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas  

The Real Triathlon Podcast crew dives into their latest TrainingPeaks fitness, fatigue, and form numbers before discussing race preparation, changing training structures, and the challenges of balancing multiple coaches. Jackson explains his new bike-focused training microcycle, Garrick shares how parenthood and sleep affect his routine, and Lisa talks through pneumonia, an intercostal muscle strain, and her return to higher-volume running. The crew also debates walking as a valuable part of endurance training, shares their best and worst workouts of the week, and tackles a series of “Pass or Smash” topics—including warm-up walks, racing from March to December, chasing Strava segments, breaking up long runs, race bibs, and black olives. Plus: treadmill sweat, race venues that hold athletes hostage, bike mirrors, and the inspiring power of simply getting out there and moving.