375 - Breakthrough 2026 Starts Now: The Off-Season Formula

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of the off-season for athletes, emphasizing intentional recovery and strategic planning for 2026. He introduces two case studies: Miguel, a first-time IRONMAN athlete who improved his training approach and finished under 13 hours, and Markus, a seasoned triathlete who overcame injury and frustration by focusing on foundational habits and smart training. Both athletes achieved success by leveraging the off-season to build a strong foundation, emphasizing organization, recovery, and targeted training projects. Dixon highlights the value of off-season preparation in setting the stage for a successful race season. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at [email protected].    Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseason-assessment-call Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center:https://center.purplepatchfitness.com Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com  

Welcome to Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of the off-season in triathlon, emphasizing it as a critical phase for performance breakthroughs. He highlights three open spots in their one-to-one coaching program and offers complimentary off-season needs assessments. Dixon outlines a five-step plan for a successful off-season: nailing basics like nutrition, hydration, and sleep; reducing training load by 30-40% while maintaining rhythm with strength and technical sessions; infusing fun and flexibility; tackling specific projects to address weaknesses or build strengths; and leveraging team and coaching support. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and intentional recovery to prepare athletes for success in the next season. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseason-assessment-call Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi  Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com  

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In the episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of a structured off-season for athletes to avoid performance regression. He emphasizes the need for consistent, lighter training rather than complete shutdown or high-volume base building. Dixon highlights the significance of maintaining rhythm, technique, and strength during the off-season to ensure better performance in the next season. He advocates for focusing on specific projects, such as improving technique or building strength, and stresses the importance of organizational effectiveness and supporting habits like sleep and nutrition. Dixon concludes by encouraging athletes to view the off-season as a performance accelerator rather than a break.  If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].    Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseason-assessment-call  Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike  Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi  Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com  Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Chris Soden of Strategic Fitting, one of the world’s leading experts in bike fitting, discuss the importance of customized coaching and bike fitting. Chris shares his background, emphasizing the evolution of bike fitting from basic measurements to advanced systems. He highlights the significance of saddle fit, tire pressure, and equipment choices, advocating for adjustable components and proper positioning. Chris also stresses the importance of preemptive bike fits to avoid issues during training. They discuss the benefits of road bikes for triathletes and the need for proper equipment to enhance performance and comfort. Chris offers remote consultations and aims to provide personalized solutions for athletes. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com  

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! This week, we're revisiting one of the most insightful interviews we've done here on the Purple Patch Podcast. In this episode, we're exploring the topic of mature athletes. These athletes are just as ambitious and goal-driven as younger ones, but they often have a deeper and more meaningful purpose beyond winning races and setting personal records. We received a great question from a podcast listener who has participated in triathlons for over 20 years. Despite still being ambitious, she now has three kids and is seeking advice on approaching the sport from a new perspective and adjusting her training. This is a common challenge for many athletes, not just in triathlon. We've dedicated a whole show to addressing this question and hopefully, we provide helpful guidance for any mature athlete looking to optimize their mindset, strategy, and training for performance gains. The episode is divided into three parts. The first part discusses "perspective" and building a new relationship with sports. It provides context for understanding how to adjust your approach to sports and how it may differ from your younger and more competitive years. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at [email protected].  Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike  Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi  Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com  Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com  

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon introduces the Purple Patch Marathon Special program, offering personalized coaching for $99/month with a 25% discount on the first month. The program includes live education, race strategy support, and on-site coaching. Dixon emphasizes the importance of balancing pressure with support to enhance performance, using examples like Sami Inkinen's success in IRONMAN and business leadership. He explains that pressure is a privilege when met with the right support system, advocating for high expectations and intentional recovery. Dixon encourages athletes and leaders to set high standards and provide a supportive environment to achieve sustained high performance. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at [email protected].    Purple Patch and Episode Resources Fast Track Run Squad: purplepatchfitness.com/fasttrackmarathon Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com  

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon introduces the Purple Patch Marathon Special Program, offering personalized coaching for $99/month with a 25% discount for new subscribers. He also promotes the Win Cycle leadership program, designed to enhance team performance and adaptability. Dixon emphasizes the benefits of taking on challenges mid-year, whether in sports or professional life, to foster growth, resilience, and high performance. He encourages triathletes to diversify their training and busy professionals to adopt new, demanding goals. Dixon highlights the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to build capacity and improve overall performance.   Purple Patch and Episode Resources Fast Track Run Squad: purplepatchfitness.com/fasttrackmarathon Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike  Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi  Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com  Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com  

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the Purple Patch Run Squad program, offering personalized coaching for $99/month with a 25% discount for the first month. He highlights the success of Pasquale Romano, a 60-year-old athlete who achieved a half IRONMAN PR and first age group win. Dixon breaks down running performance into five components: cardiovascular conditioning, muscular resilience, tissue durability, economy of movement, and biomechanics. He emphasizes the importance of frequent, easy running, strength training, and leveraging multi-sport workouts to build resilience and reduce injury risk. Dixon also cautions against over-reliance on super shoes, recommending neutral shoes for daily use and limited use of super shoes for speed work and racing. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at [email protected].    Purple Patch and Episode Resources Fast Track Run Squad: purplepatchfitness.com/fasttrackmarathon Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike  Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi  Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com  Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com  

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Fitness Coach Max Gering discuss a case study on Gwen, a 43-year-old triathlete who has been dealing with recurring lower-body injuries. Gwen's training followed a fixed three-week high-load cycle, leading to frequent injuries. The intervention focused on a three-week cycle with intentional recovery, shifting from a swim-bike-run routine to a more varied approach. Swimming emphasized cardiovascular conditioning, cycling focused on strength endurance, and running prioritized tissue integrity. Gwen's performance improved significantly, achieving her best half-IRONMAN time without injuries. The key takeaways include the importance of out-of-the-box thinking and consistent, non-intensive training.  If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at [email protected].  Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi  Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com  

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Coach Max Gering discuss how the midpoint of any racing season is more than just a milestone—it's a vital opportunity to pause, assess, and intentionally adjust one's course. Dixon talks about the power of midseason reflection and how to leverage it for sustained high performance. Racing reveals more than just physical fitness—it reflects your mindset, habits, preparation, and resilience. This episode explores how athletes can utilize these insights to either stay the course or make informed, targeted adjustments that lead to breakthrough results in the second half of the season. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at [email protected].   Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi  Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch