How To Lock In On Your Training For Spring Races

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  

This week on The Real Triathlon Podcast, we're joined by Steph Clutterbuck for a refreshingly candid conversation! Steph shares the profound challenges of her 2023 season, including a diagnosis of Myocarditis and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and how these health hurdles forced her to redefine her relationship with training, metrics, and even her "off-season." Dive deep into the less glamorous realities of pro triathlon, discover Steph's secret competitive dreams (involving horses!), and learn about her surprising aversion to open water swimming. We also explore her insights on the support for women's racing and the groundbreaking decision behind her OnlyFans sponsorship. Steph candidly discusses how this platform empowers her to fund her career, share authentic content, and connect directly with fans, all while challenging industry norms and championing a new model for athlete support. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the unfiltered life of a professional triathlete!

In this episode, we engage in a deep conversation with Eryn Kubinski about mental health, motivation, and personal growth in the context of sports. We explore the importance of self-reflection, the power of positive thinking, and the necessity of accountability in achieving personal goals. Eryn shares practical techniques for managing anxiety, reframing negative thoughts, and embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth. The discussion emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with inspiration and finding lessons in challenges, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and resilient mindset.   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 the growth of their podcast, share experiences from the Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells race, and highlight the performances of various athletes. They delve into the controversies surrounding drafting rules in triathlons and emphasize the importance of the off-season for athletes, including goal setting and self-discovery in the sport. In this episode, the hosts reflect on their experiences from the past season, discussing the lessons learned and how they plan to implement these insights into their training and racing strategies for the upcoming year. They emphasize the importance of intentional training, accountability, and the impact of social media on athletes. The conversation also touches on their upcoming race schedules and the support they receive from their community through Patreon.   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