Working with Fire: How to Make Heat Training Your Edge

Ever thought that training in sweltering heat could actually be your secret weapon as an endurance athlete? Coach Patrick shares his journey from the scorching Ironman races in Hawaii to uncover how heat training can lead to significant performance boosts. Having spent nearly two decades working with athletes, he reveals the powerful benefits of heat training, from enhancing blood volume to improving oxygen capacity. Coach Patrick also delivers a personal story about how arriving early for a race in Kona, to acclimate properly, made a huge difference in his performance—despite not being at his peak fitness. Join us for a lively discussion on turning the summer heat into a training partner instead of an obstacle. Coach Patrick offers practical strategies for maintaining fitness during the busiest months of the year, suggesting shorter, heat-focused workouts as an effective way to prepare for races. Forget about long, draining sessions under the sun—Coach Patrick's insights are all about working smarter, not harder, by using the heat to your advantage. Whether you're an elite athlete or just starting out, this episode is packed with tips to transform your summer training regimen.

In this episode, Coach Patrick pulls back the curtain on one of Endurance Nation’s most epic annual events — our SOLD OUT Tuscany cycling camp. Daily gravel rides through jaw-dropping Italian countryside   Farm-to-table (more like farm-to-face) meals that fuel the soul   5 days of riding — from casual spins to conquering the brutal 120-mile Strada Bianchi   Sun-soaked climbs, epic descents, and quiet olive groves   Lifelong friendships made one ride (and espresso) at a time More than just a camp, it’s a fitness accelerator disguised as a vacation. Coach Patrick shares the philosophy behind why these “big scary events” are essential for motivation, growth, and fun. Whether you’re looking to shake up your race calendar or just dreaming of an Italian cycling adventure, this episode will have you ready to book your own spot.    Spoiler Alert: This camp is already sold out... but stick around for insider info on how YOU can be part of future Endurance Nation experiences.

What if you could master the art of race strategy and transform your endurance racing experience? Join us on the Dude Guy podcast as we team up with logistics guru Matt to uncover the secrets behind planning and executing the Unbound 200 2025. With Matt's expert insights, we navigate the complexities of the race course, delving into wind patterns, elevation changes, and the critical importance of race positioning. Our conversation reveals how starting strong and riding in a group can give you that extra edge before hitting the first aid station. We also dive into the meticulous planning required to manage fluid and food supplies, ensuring you're prepared to tackle the rising temperatures and unforeseen challenges of race day. Experience the adrenaline and preparation that define race day, where strategic decisions can make or break your performance. We explore the advantages of positioning yourself at the front to dodge congestion and potential crashes, capturing the chaotic energy that marks the early stages of the race. The episode highlights the role of a well-equipped support crew at the aid station, vital for seamless transitions and quick identification through smart communication strategies like sending location details to the rider’s Garmin. From the racer's and support team's perspectives, discover the planning and dynamic energy that drive a successful race day. Reflecting on the mental and physical endurance required, we share tales of camaraderie and support that make these events unforgettable. As we recount personal milestones like a top 10 age group finish and overcoming hydration challenges, the conversation underscores the importance of pacing, nutrition, and strategic alliances with fellow riders. We also analyze performance data, revealing lessons learned and satisfaction gained from conquering harsh conditions. Finally, we express gratitude for the friendships formed and the mutual encouragement that fuels our passion for future racing adventures.

Before the mud, the mayhem, and the mileage... comes the madness of prep. In Part One of this Unbound Gravel deep-dive, your favorite endurance duo break down everything that went into tackling the iconic 200-mile Unbound Gravel race. Broadcasting from the far corners of Vermont to the sun-baked hills of Kansas, we talk logistics, training, gear, nutrition, and the psychological warfare of preparing for the Super Bowl of gravel events. From tire debates and heat training in plastic suits, to prepping like you’re launching into orbit (or just racing across a dust bowl), we unpack nine months of planning into one wild, hilarious, and info-packed episode. Whether you’re gravel-curious or already eyeing Emporia 2026, this is your playbook.   Key Highlights: What is Unbound Gravel and why is it gravel’s Kona? Gravel math: the brutal time math that makes 200 miles feel like forever RPE vs metrics: how ultra-distance breaks your tech Packing, hydration, crew strategy — and the art of not losing your sunglasses in a cornfield “The Paint Suit Chronicles”: DIY heat training and what not to do pre-race Spoiler: This is just the start. The race is still ahead. Buckle up for Part Two.

Can technology truly enhance athletic performance, or are athletes becoming overly dependent on data? Join us as we explore how tech overload affects endurance athletes, sometimes hindering performance by drowning them in a sea of metrics. We share personal experiences and introduce Product 28, an initiative urging athletes to unplug, trust their instincts, and focus on the essence of training, much like the precision required in NASCAR, where only a few key metrics really matter. From primitive tracking tools to social media-like community hubs, training platforms like TrainingPeaks and Strava have revolutionized how athletes engage with their routines. We examine the cultural shift they’ve sparked—where sharing workouts has become as anxiety-inducing as missing them. Strava's evolution, in particular, serves as a fascinating case study of how gamification and social sharing reshape training behaviors, often prioritizing social validation over personal fitness goals. Data paralysis is real, and it's reshaping athletic training. Athletes can find themselves overwhelmed by sleep trackers, HRV graphs, and AI-driven workouts that make decisions for them, leading to outsourced decision-making and a disconnect from their intuition. We recount a personal tale from the 2009 Ironman Coeur d'Alene that underscores the value of listening to one's body over blindly following data. Through this narrative, we highlight the importance of balancing technology with personal insight for a more fulfilling training journey.

Can strategic execution make or break your endurance race performance? Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation joins us to unravel the secrets behind mastering endurance racing beyond mere fitness. Dive into the nuances of upcoming May races, from the 70.3 St George to BWR Utah, and learn how landscapes and weather conditions can redefine your race strategy. We dissect events like Ironman Australia, Ironman 70.3 Mallorca, and 70.3 Gulf Coast, spotlighting how every race demands its unique approach, far beyond just physical readiness. Shift your perspective as we tackle the challenges of Ironman 70.3 races, with a particular focus on the heat and hills of Ironman 70.3 Hawaii and the rugged terrain of Ironman 70.3 St. George. Coach Patrick shares game-changing strategies to conquer these formidable courses, emphasizing meticulous planning around hydration, nutrition, and bike course navigation. Discover why preparation and respect for the course are paramount, and how the stunning locales provide an unforgettable backdrop for these demanding events. We cap off the episode with essential tips for strategic race execution, breaking down complex courses into achievable segments. Whether it's gravel racing or tackling technical climbs, learn how to harness the course's features to your advantage with smart pacing and energy conservation. Join our vibrant Endurance Nation community on social media, where racers share their stories and insights, making every race a collaborative journey towards peak performance. Engage with us, share your race experiences, and let's celebrate the spirit of endurance racing together!

Ever wondered why some athletes seem to excel under pressure while others falter despite similar physical preparation? Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation uncovers the often-overlooked element of race training that separates the good from the great: mental preparation. While many athletes invest heavily in physical training, it's the mental game that can truly elevate race day performance. This episode reveals strategies for simulating race-day conditions to hone your mental endurance, tackling challenges like mental fatigue and stress. By sharing insights on pacing, fueling, and equipment choices, Coach Patrick emphasizes the role of self-knowledge and personal experiences in crafting effective mental strategies. The goal? To build smarter, more resilient athletes ready to conquer any race. Visualization is not just a buzzword—it's a powerful tool for race preparation. Join us as we explore two key visualization techniques that prepare you for both ideal race scenarios and unexpected challenges. Imagine a perfect race day with everything going smoothly, and then shift gears to anticipate potential obstacles like equipment failures or bad weather. This dual approach, alternating between building confidence and developing resilience, ensures you're equipped to transform potential setbacks into manageable tasks. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a novice, these strategies offer a comprehensive mental toolkit to help you handle race day like a pro. Get ready to master the mental side of endurance sports and boost your success on race day.

Experience the thrill of European cycling as we recount our 2025 Spring Classics camp journey, where two-wheeled adventures met the charm of Belgian squares and French angles. Find out how Josh's playful antics and Ralph's van mishap added laughter to an already memorable trip that began and ended at Heathrow. Learn the secrets behind tackling iconic sportives like Flanders and Roubaix, savoring Belgian beer, and the camaraderie that binds cyclists as they conquer famous climbs and navigate the cobblestone chaos. Will you uncover the strategies that keep cyclists in high spirits despite relentless winds and challenging gravel paths? Get a front-row seat to the thrilling races in Ehrenberg, feeling the pulse of the velodrome as a French Olympic champion makes a triumphant return. Share the tension of Mads Pedersen's flat tire and Vanderpool's dramatic lead, with each turn of the wheel echoing the raw energy of European cycling. From the picturesque roads to the vibrant cycling community, this episode captures the essence of what makes cycling in Europe an unforgettable experience. As we bid adieu to the classics, anticipation grows for future adventures, with Tuscany's training camp on the horizon. Join us, Coach Patrick and the team, for a journey that goes beyond the ride, embracing the spirit and stories of the cycling world.

Uncover the hidden peril of early season fatigue and learn the strategies to tackle it head-on with Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation. This episode offers an eye-opening exploration into the common oversight athletes face, which can quietly destroy their training momentum and compromise late-season performance. Whether you're an early bird hitting the training ground or a late starter just finding your rhythm, the sneaky threat of fatigue is real. Coach Patrick breaks down why this invisible force should be on your radar and provides crucial insights into recognizing and combating it before it derails your goals. Join the journey to safeguarding your athletic ambitions as Coach Patrick exposes the subtle signs of early burnout and guides you toward a balanced training regimen. By mastering the art of strategic rest, smart training, and optimal nutrition, you'll keep fatigue at bay and ensure peak performance when it counts. From understanding the metabolic demands of training out of season to navigating the pitfalls of early adaptation, this episode equips you with the tools to stay strong and resilient. Prepare to be enlightened on how to sustain your energy and enthusiasm throughout your racing calendar, ultimately achieving the success and satisfaction you crave.

What if you could transform your training routine by simply training smarter, not harder? Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation, with over two decades of experience, guides us through the start of the training season with a strategic approach that promises to elevate your fitness journey. As the weather warms up, many athletes are eager to hit the ground running, but Coach Patrick advises against jumping into intense workouts too quickly. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of pacing yourself to avoid burnout and injury. The key is to focus on your "speed to excellence" and to equip yourself with the right knowledge for a successful training season. In our latest episode, Coach Patrick also sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of training, especially nutrition and strategic planning. For those returning to their routines after a break, understanding and adapting your nutritional needs is crucial. With a well-laid 16-week plan, he details how to ease back into training effectively, assessing both your fitness level and equipment. Plus, the motivational impact of participating in local races or group activities is explored as a strategic way to boost your commitment and enthusiasm. Join us to learn how to navigate your path with intention and achieve not just your goals, but surpass them.