Kona Delivered: Vincent Luis Wins, Solveig’s Dramatic Finish, and the Race-Day Chaos

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.

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