Ben Kanute on Power Myths, Race Chaos & Why Pros Need to Stop Making Excuses

This week on The Real Triathlon Podcast, the crew is joined by Ben Kanute fresh off a 2nd place finish at IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas Little Elm, a race defined by a shortened swim, brutal winds, and plenty of chaos. Ben dives into what it actually felt like racing in those conditions, how time-trial starts change the dynamic of a race, and why pros need to rethink how they talk about performance. The conversation gets deep into: The reality of bike power vs speed (and why chasing watts might be holding you back) How aero, efficiency, and race execution matter more than big numbers The danger of “if-then excuses” in race recaps Bike safety, race logistics, and the risks athletes face on open roads Plus, things get weird (as always) with: Wind riding excuses vs bike handling reality IV drips during races (??) Probiotic sodas, hot tub etiquette, and drive-thru patience And a classic Pass or Smash segment It’s equal parts high-level performance insight and absolute chaos with one of the most experienced athletes in the sport.   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!   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 week on The Real Triathlon Podcast, Garrick Loewen, Jackson Laundry, and Nicholas Chase break down an absolutely wild Ironman New Zealand, including Trevor Foley’s huge win, Matt Hanson’s massive performance, Kyle Smith’s aggressive race, and what the new 20-meter draft rule could mean for the rest of the season. They also dive into the women’s race with Kat Matthews’ dominant showing. Then things take a turn into classic RTP territory with a conversation on sleep habits, recovery, relationships, race nutrition, Maurten Bicarb, cracked phone screens, courtesy flushes, and the debut of Nicholas Chase’s new segment: “Have You Ever Wondered?” It’s race analysis, triathlon banter, and absolute nonsense in the way only this podcast can deliver.

The Real Triathlon crew — Lisa Becharas, Jackson Laundry, Garrick Loewen, and Nicholas Chase — reunite to talk training load, how to know when to back off, the mental side of recovery, and practical tips for niggles and nutrition. They preview the season openers (Ironman New Zealand, Dallas 70.3 and other early races), debate flying vs. driving to races, equipment trends, and the growing pro start lists. Plus the usual Pass or Smash, Grinds My Gears, and chat about taxes, pool etiquette, and public transit. Honest, funny, and straight-from-the-coach insights for racers and fans.

In this episode of The Real Triathlon Podcast, the original trio is back—Jackson, Nicholas, and Garrick—catching up on sick weeks, conference travel in Nashville, and nagging injuries before diving into how to actually train smart in February and March. They break down: How hard you should be training now if your key races are months away The right mix of volume vs. intensity for age-groupers and pros Using swim sessions for “safe” suffering and open-water prep in the pool Brick training: how much you really need and when to do it Why zone 2 alone won’t make you fast (and where hard VO2/threshold work fits in) Fueling like a pro: eating enough to actually support 25–30 hour weeks They wrap up with “Pass or Smash” (protein shakes, wired headphones, leftovers, jet skis, and more) and “What Spins My Crank,” including Valtteri Bottas’ YouTube, Ironman’s move to YouTube coverage, and the mental boost of finally hitting good workouts after a rough patch.   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!   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  

All four hosts are back for a chaotic, honest catch‑up on what it really looks like trying to train and race at a high level when your body, your bike, and life won’t fully cooperate.  Nick and Lisa commiserate about how brutal the transition back to the TT bike can be, how to know when it’s time to tell your coach a session isn’t working, and why short doses of high intensity might be smarter than forcing “hero” intervals. Lisa breaks down the true financial and time cost of an injury—MRIs, PT, long drives, missed races—and Jackson adds what lost race income looks like when a season gets derailed.  They also dive into:  The hidden cost of sickness and why this winter feels extra savage Whether long-course triathlon is even “broadcastable” and what coverage should look like Hiding your power on Strava: fair game or pointless secrecy? A rapid-fire “Pass or Smash” on papaya, snow, tubeless tire installs, snot rockets on the trainer, and saying “bruh” Nick’s “what grinds my gears” rant featuring barking dogs, groceries, social media, and non‑waxed chains Plus, the crew talks sleep, magnesium, and small habits that might actually keep you healthy enough to race.   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!   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  

Ironman finally pulled the trigger on a long-awaited change: the pro draft zone is officially moving to 20 meters — and the RTS crew wastes no time breaking down what it really means for racing. In this episode, Garrick, Jackson, Lisa, and special guest Nicole dive deep into how the new draft rules could reshape race dynamics, who benefits most, and why this might finally reward strong solo cyclists. They also tackle mixed pro fields, Race Ranger, and whether 20 meters is enough… or just the first step toward 25. Beyond the rule changes, things get personal: Nicole shares her fresh post-op journey from hip labral repair and what recovery looks like for a pro triathlete. Lisa opens up about a surprise metatarsal stress reaction and how she’s navigating yet another “no-run” build. Jackson battles a stubborn parasite picked up in Mexico, breaking down the realities of training through GI chaos and calorie deficits. Garrick drops some major life news with an RTS first: a baby girl arriving this summer. They wrap it all up with a classic Pass or Smash segment covering everything from threshold farming and three 4-hour rides in a week… to pineapple on pizza. Raw, funny, honest, and deeply nerdy — this is one of those episodes that reminds you why racing is hard, recovery is harder, and the triathlon community is special.

Lisa, Nick, and Garrick reunite on the Real Triathlon Podcast for an unfiltered recap of the third annual Cozumel training camp, where jellyfish stings, early morning workouts, and zero bike crashes made for unforgettable stories. The trio dives into the sacrifices athletes make, medical scans, internet trolling, and the high costs (and quirks) of triathlon life—before launching into their signature “Pass or Smash” and “What Grinds My Gears” segments. Full of laughs, honest insights, and the camaraderie that defines the squad, this is the inside look at pro triathlon you didn’t know you needed. Frank Mizerski joins Garrick for the second episode of our bike fit series. In this episode Frank elaborates on common fit issues, red flags and equipment mistakes.    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!   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  

 Frank Mizerski is one of Canada’s leading bike fitters, a RETUL Master Fit certified expert with over 15 years of experience fitting out of his shop, Racer Sportif in Oakville, Ontario. He’s been working with athletes of all levels from professionals to first-time triathletes. He’s also a partner and product developer with Aquila Cycles and Realspeed Cycling, bringing a performance-driven, athlete-first perspective to everything he does.   You can find out more from Eryn here: https://adventuresofhealth.com/about   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   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 of the Real Triathlon Podcast, the hosts discuss their personal updates, training strategies, and the importance of building better habits as they enter the new year. They delve into the significance of training partners and group dynamics in triathlon, share insights on the T100 Contender Series, and outline their upcoming race plans. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of triathlon and the need for collaboration among athletes, concluding with reflections on the future of the sport and the excitement of the new year.   You can find out more from Eryn here: https://adventuresofhealth.com/about   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   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 of the Real Triathlon Squad podcast, we discuss various topics related to the triathlon community, including updates on new professional athletes joining the team, reflections on personal racing beliefs, and the importance of community and friendship in the sport. They also delve into the realities of professional racing, strategies for racing, and the impact of drafting rules. The conversation highlights the fears and aspirations of the athletes as they look towards the future and the legacy they wish to leave in the sport.   You can find out more from Eryn here: https://adventuresofhealth.com/about   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   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