Tactics, Training and Temperatures, with Triathlon Hour’s Jack Kelly and Ari Klau

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.

The race for IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California VICTORY was nearly claimed by Jackson‬ who bounced back after Boise 70.3 in true dominant form. Lisa and Nick had solid days with Lisa showing off how much of a trooper she is. Truly, you have to hear this episode. We had such a great time together, look forward to the VLOG coming out soon on this inaugural event. Also, we talk a little bit about how disrespectful SOMEONE might be in terms of downgrading the performance of an athlete, which you have to check out via Jackson's commentary.    Thank you for supporting the podcast, we are POWERED by TRAINING PEAKS and of course have loads of support from PILLAR Performance and Silca Velo.    Keep tuned for the next episode coming in hot which MIGHT be featuring and IRONMAN legend.   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  

Joe Skipper joins The Real Triathlon Podcast to reflect on his professional triathlon career, his most memorable performances, and the decision to retire from long-course racing. He revisits his incredible 2022 season—including his Ironman Wales victory, fifth-place finish at Kona, and Ironman Arizona win—while sharing stories about mechanical issues, race-day mindset, and competing in the United States. Joe also discusses the challenges facing professional triathlon, including declining sponsorship opportunities, reduced prize money, the Ironman Pro Series, race officiating, drafting enforcement, and the future of pro racing. Now turning his attention to HYROX, running goals, brand development, and life after triathlon, Joe explains what comes next for the Junkyard Dog.   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, Morgan Pearson shares insights into his triathlon journey, training strategies, and perspectives on the sport's realities versus its glamorous image. We discuss race experiences, training routines, and the mental game of competitive triathlon. In this episode, Morgan Pearson and Jackson discuss training strategies, race tactics, social media influence, and hot takes on triathlon culture. They share insights on swimming power versus technique, the Norwegian training method, and the impact of social following on athletes' careers.   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 crew breaks down Boise 70.3 with raw, behind-the-scenes race recaps. Nick Chase delivers a career-best breakthrough on the bike and holds on for a massive result, while Jackson, Lisa Becharas, and their training partners share gritty stories of heavy legs, stomach issues, mid-race pit stops, and course chaos. Hosts discuss the rough swim conditions and modified pro course, the impact of smoke and wind on performance, nutrition and gear choices, and the fan-driven moments that kept racers going. Tune in for honest analysis, race-week anecdotes, and what’s next for the team as they look toward Ironman season.   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  

This episode dives into the race-week storylines shaping Boise 70.3 as three hosts head to the Pro Series event. Garrick celebrates new dad life and shares a memorable delivery story about baby Ophelia, Nick recaps a wild Vegas birthday weekend and his training rebound, and Lisa breaks down race-week prep amid oppressive heat and regional smoke. The crew dissects the biggest narratives — Jackson vs. Ari, how heat and air quality could alter tactics, and which pros to watch after Ironman Lake Placid — while swapping training takes, recovery notes, and weekend logistics (including a planned post-race river float). Highlights: Garrick’s unforgettable delivery and first week with Ophelia Boise 70.3 race-week storylines: contenders, strategies, and environmental variables Reactions to Lake Placid results and emerging pro form Training, recovery, and run-mileage debates among the pros Weekend plans, travel logistics, and contingency fun if the race changes 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  

Training peaks analytics and swim data challenges Race predictions for Lake Placid men's and women's races Heat training and race day heat management Cost analysis of triathlon gear and training expenses Value of training camps and athlete relationships Dog water fountains and pet health misconceptions Wasting money on recovery gadgets and trackers The reality of altitude tents and chambers The truth about AI coaching and training apps Race day experiences and athlete stories 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  

WELL, not all adventures end on a high note but that doesn't mean it was a waste. Challenge ROTH 2026 was quite the event which saw another course record broken, crazy wind another year without wetsuits and of course, tremendous energy. Nick of course did a lot to prepare, however may have missed some notes along the way and of course...ended with the dreaded DNF. What was the cause? He is still working that out with our fellow experts but you can hear ALLLL about it plus our Training Peaks CTL numbers. Thank you to Training Peaks, Pillar Performance and SILCA Velo for supporting this episode.   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  

Join the Real Triathlon crew with guest Ari Klau and coach Jack Kelly for a deep, candid conversation about what it takes to perform at the top level of triathlon. Topics include swim skill vs. fitness and open-water positioning, the value of indoor TT work versus outdoor specificity, how to structure intensity and volume across swim/bike/run, bone-stress and recovery considerations, heat-acclimation strategies, and the psychology of coach selection and athlete compliance. Ari and Jack also discuss recent races (Mont-Tremblant, Oceanside) and goals for Chattanooga and Boise, with behind-the-scenes coaching insights and race tactics. Essential listening for racers and coaches who want practical, pro-level approaches to training, race prep and mental edge. Keywords: triathlon training, Ari Klau, Jack Kelly, swim tactics, time-trial, heat acclimation, coach-athlete relationship.   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