#212: Running and coaching with InnerFight Irelands Simon Connaughton

In this powerful episode, host Rob Jones sits down with Slayde Baker, whose endurance journey took an unexpected and life-altering turn after a herniated disc led to a serious MRSA infection — leaving her unable to stand, walk, or train.Slayde shares the raw reality of:Having her identity tied to performance — and losing it Relearning how to move, train, and trust her body againRedefining success beyond results and podiumsReturning to racing — and qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World ChampionshipsThis episode is a powerful reminder that endurance is not just about physical strength, but patience, perspective, and community.🎧 Essential listening for any athlete navigating injury, burnout, or self-doubt.

Lottie Lucas-Azevedo owns Fawz Concept along with her husband Filipe Azevedo. They are also both professional triathletes and in 2025 Lottie placed 28th in world at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona.In this show, Tom and Lottie sit down to discuss her life as a professional, lessons learnt and what she plans on accomplishing in the future. They also discuss the current state of Triathlon and how IRONMAN and T100 look after their athletes.You can follow Lottie on instagram @Lottieljlucas or head to fawzconcept.com

In this episode, Tom Walker sits down with T100 CEO and former GB triathlete Sam Renouf to explore how the PTO and T100 World Tour are reshaping the sport of triathlon. Sam shares the origin story of T100, why the sport has far more potential than it’s ever realised, and how elevating professional athletes is key to its future.They discuss the challenges of building a world-class global tour, what it takes to compete with major sports like F1 and the NFL, and how Sam’s own athletic background shapes the way T100 designs its events. The conversation also dives into the new race format, athlete participation, and what age-groupers can expect from the growing T100 calendar.A fast, insightful look into what triathlon is today—and what it can become.If you're interested in how to 'disrupt' spaces, listen in to the show!

Maurten is a Swedish sports nutrition brand that uses its patented Hydrogel Technology to deliver high doses of carbohydrates to endurance athletes with minimal gastrointestinal distress. On today's show, head of education at Maurten, Ben Vriends joins Tom to chat about the brand, the science and practical application of using Maurten in the endurance world. You might be surprised with Bens advice, it is not the blanket statement we hear from most nutrition companies in this day and age, it's advice built on wisdom and experience from years of working with the best athletes and most dedicated, ambitious amateurs.If you're in the UAE, head to Maurten.ae to place an order or head to Wolfis world famous bike shop.For anywhere else in the world, head to www.maurten.com

Tom’s back on the InnerFight Endurance Podcast and we’re going all-in on T100 Dubai, triathlon, and racing in the desert heat.In this episode, Tom Walker breaks down what makes the T100 series different from Ironman, how the Dubai course really races, and what that means for everyday athletes in Dubai who lift in the gym and want to smash triathlons or marathons.We get into:How T100 shook up Ironman and the pro triathlon worldWhy the Dubai T100 course is “flat and fast”… but still absolutely brutalHeat, hydration and cooling strategies that actually work in the UAETapering without losing your mind (or your fitness)How to pace that awkward 18K run off an 80K bike“First buoy mentality” and dealing with everything that goes wrong on race dayThe mindset shift that took one InnerFight athlete from meltdown mode to winning her age group by over 60 minutesIf you love lifting in the gym and chasing big endurance goals — whether you’re in Dubai or anywhere in the world — this one will help you race smarter, stay cooler, and actually enjoy the suffering.

Resilience isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build through motion, repetition, and reflection. 💥In this episode of the InnerFight Endurance Podcast, Rob Jones and Dan Bagley unpack the science and practice behind mental toughness and refocusing under pressure. Whether you’re pushing through a long run, preparing for a race, or navigating life’s daily challenges, this conversation offers a clear playbook for staying composed, confident, and in control.They break down the Four Pillars of Mental Toughness — Challenge, Confidence, Commitment, and Control — and explore how each one shapes your ability to handle setbacks, build self-belief, and follow through on your goals.You’ll also learn the R4 Principle — React, Relax, Renew, Refocus — a simple but powerful framework to help you reset when things don’t go as planned. From practical mindset tools to real-life endurance stories, Rob and Dan share strategies to strengthen your mental game both on and off the course.🎙️ Tune in to discover:How to break big goals into smaller, achievable stepsWhy resilience grows through action, not motivationSimple cues to refocus during tough momentsHow reflection builds lasting confidenceBecause endurance isn’t just about your body — it’s about your mind.#IfEndurance #MentalToughness #Resilience #EnduranceMindset #Focus #Motivation

AI training apps aren’t fringe anymore—they’re steering runners into races, shaping programs, and shifting the coach–athlete relationship. In this conversation, Rob, Sharon, and Dan get honest about where AI helps, where it harms, and how real coaching fills the gaps. From Strava’s social pull to training plans that ramp too fast, we unpack who thrives with AI, who gets left behind, and how to blend tech with human nuance without losing the “care” that keeps athletes healthy and progressing.In this episode:The draw of AI tools: convenience, community, and decision-fatigue reliefHidden downsides: comparison traps, overreaching, and context-blind pacesWhy beginners often need humans more than algorithmsRPE vs pace, hills and elevation, HRV/sleep, and the data AI ignoresAccountability: push notifications vs a coach who actually checks inEquity & nuance: female athletes, older runners, youth, neurodiversity, and medical historyA practical middle ground: using AI plans with human touchpoints

In Episode 292 of the InnerFight Endurance Podcast, Rob Jones and Dan Bagley break down two very different race experiences: Backyard Ultra and the Berlin Marathon.From running through the night and battling “wobble” moments, to the challenges of chasing a fast marathon PB, they share powerful reflections on mindset, endurance, and the lessons athletes can apply in training, racing, and life.

In this episode, we sit down with Steph to dive into the story of Ladies Run Club and its journey over the past five years. From unforgettable marathon memories in Vienna to the growth of international races and training camps, Steph shares how the club has built a unique balance of coached training and genuine community.We talk about the culture shift in running—especially for women—as more athletes take on challenges they once thought impossible. Steph also reflects on the power of personal connection, the domino effect of inspiration within the group, and what makes LRC stand out from other running communities.Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this conversation highlights how running isn’t just about miles—it’s about courage, growth, and belonging.

This week on the InnerFight Endurance Podcast, Rob and Dan Bagley dive into the latest running news and training insights. They break down Adidas’ ambitious 100K project and the attempt to crack six hours, the addition of Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan to the 2025 New York City Marathon, and new Strava–UTMB data showing the rapid growth of trail running worldwide.Dan also shares his buildup to the Berlin Marathon, including how he’s adapted training in Dubai’s summer heat, the role of treadmill sessions, and the mental lessons he’s learned along the way. Finally, in their “Clear It Up” series, Rob and Dan unpack one of the most misunderstood training terms in running: tempo running. What it really means, how it differs from threshold training, and how everyday runners can use it to improve.Whether you’re chasing a PB, exploring trail running, or just trying to understand the science behind the jargon, this episode has you covered.