Episode #146: Mastering the Art of Race Day — From Surf to Starting Blocks!

Ever wondered how to tackle massive surf or nail the perfect race start? Coach Gerry shares decades of tips—from managing ocean chaos to dialing in that crucial race takeout effort. Plus, a deep dive into swim strategies, athlete breakthroughs, and those sneaky electrolytes making all the difference!In this episode: Why surfing the Wedge is like coaching the lifeguard's nightmare The controversial world of enhanced games and performance boosts Matt Hanson's surprising swim breakthrough and his secret sauce Race start tactics: it's not all-out, but it's close! Building a swimmer's foundation from zero to hero Training in crazy conditions: safety, strategy, and mindset How to practice race takeout speed without blowing up The hidden science behind ultra short race pace training (USRPT) The evolving science of electrolytes and altitude swimming Upcoming guests and why you should stay tuned for more! Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to the Wedge, UFC & the art of wave management 02:20 - Why looking disheveled every Monday is a badge of honor 04:41 - When the lifeguard job becomes impossible 06:12 - Managing surf conditions like race day 10:15 - Matt Hanson's journey: from zero to front pack 13:03 - How race placement and effort matter in triathlon swimming 19:27 - The importance of swim-first, run-second training 30:39 - Long sets and building endurance: the secret to a solid base 33:24 - Race takeout speed: how hard should you go? 35:41 - The myth of all-out effort in the first 100 meters 46:02 - The controversy behind enhanced games & doping guidelines 50:36 - How to create your own media empire (or podcast) 52:44 - Current open water training & preparing for race day 58:17 - Upcoming guests and what's next on the show!Resources & Links: Precision Hydration TW26 - Load up on electrolytes Top Swim & Race Strategies - The go-to for open water mastery Matt Hanson - Pro triathlete turning swim struggles into success Andy Potts - Olympic legend & USRPT advocate Enhanced Games - The controversial battleground of performance enhancement Connect with TOWER 26: Instagram Twitter And that's a wrap, folks! Tune in next time for more secrets, science, and maybe some ice cream adventures. Stay race-ready!          

In this episode, Jim Lubinski and Coach Gerry Rodrigues discuss triathlon training, race strategies, safety in open water swimming, and the importance of consistency and simplicity in training. They analyze recent race performances, training sets, and safety measures, providing valuable insights for athletes aiming to improve and race safely.   triathlon, open water swimming, race strategy, training tips, safety, Ironman Texas, marathon, nutrition, athlete performance, coaching Key  Topics Ironman Texas race analysis Open water safety and safety measures Training sets and workout structure Nutrition strategies for endurance athletes Performance insights for athletes over 40  Sound Bites "Safety in open water is a shared responsibility" "Keep it simple — ham and toast for race day" "Athletes are pushing each other to new heights" Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 05:09 Ironman Texas Highlights 09:52 Safety in Open Water Swimming 20:00 Tragedy and Responsibility in Triathlons 24:53 London Marathon Breakthroughs 30:52 Triathlon Success and Training Insights 35:03 The Evolution of Running Shoes 39:10 Open Water Swimming Skills 49:44 Sharpening Phase and Training Techniques  resources Ironman Texas Results 2023 - https://www.ironman.com/imtx-results-2023 Precision Hydration - https://www.precisionhydration.com code: TW26 Tower 26 Swim Program - https://www.tower26.com Jim Lubinski on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JimLubinski  Guest links Website - https://www.tower26.com  

  Jim Lubinski and Gerry Rodrigues discuss race strategies, training techniques, and the evolving landscape of triathlon and college sports, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills, adaptability, and scientific training methods.    key  topics Race strategy evolution with new draft zone rules Importance of foundational swimming mechanics and tautness Training tools and techniques for open water success Impact of college transfer rules on athlete development Nutrition and recovery science in triathlon training Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 03:03 Coaching Insights and Athlete Behavior 05:45 Nutrition and Race Day Strategies 09:53 Race Dynamics and Pro Athlete Performance 21:57 Changing Mindsets in Triathlon Racing 28:48 The Importance of Structural Integrity in Swimming 32:01 The Changing Landscape of College Sports 41:35 Recognizing Outstanding Athletic Performances 50:18 Innovations in Swimming Technology and Training  resources Precision Hydration - https://www.precisionhydration.com/ Form Goggle - https://www.formswim.com/ Finis Tempo Trainer - https://www.finis.com/ Coaching Tower 26 - https://coaching.tower26.com/ Freestyle Biomechanics by Jan Yoss - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C123XYZ    

In this episode, Jim Lubinski and Coach Gerry Rodrigues discuss heat training, technique in swimming, the importance of proper training structure, and insights from Olympic sports to improve triathlon performance. They also explore decision-making in injury management and the value of technical focus in training.   Key Topics Heat training and sauna use for endurance athletes Technical swimming skills and common flaws The importance of structured training and mental models Decision-making in injury management and racing Insights from Olympic hockey and speed skating Chapters 00:00Podcast Format Changes and Sauna Introduction 02:57Training with the USA Triathlon Elite Team 06:03Technique and Alignment in Swimming 10:13Lessons from Olympic Sports and Athlete Development 15:02The Importance of Technique in High-Level Competition 20:05Lindsey Vonn's Decision to Compete and Athlete Support 26:05Making Tough Decisions in Sports Injuries 27:35Understanding Athlete Decision-Making 30:41The Importance of Long-Term Health in Racing 32:43Technique vs. Volume in Training 36:30Managing Injuries and Training Load 40:34Social Media Pressure in Athletic Performance 43:51Evaluating Quality of Work Beyond Controversies 48:29Workout of the Episode: Pacing and Technique 55:48Transitioning to the Sharpening Phase   Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link,  https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage   For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner   Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: [email protected]   To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at [email protected].   To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com   All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.  

Gerry and Jim talk about the foundation phase of training and how crucial it is to your season long success.   Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link,  https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage   For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner   Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: [email protected]   To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at [email protected].   To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com   All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.      

Jim and Gerry go into detail on what MUST happen in order to become a better athlete/swimmer.   If you would like to join the TOWER 26 Cords and Core Session at 5:45am Pacific Time THIS Monday(12/15) use this link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84644309264?pwd=oLPX2PEJaCOnJxgdJTuQ7ELX5bWwoJ.1   Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link, https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage   For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner   Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: [email protected]   To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at [email protected].   To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com   All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.    

Jim and Gerry revisit the TAP phases of training. Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/  to join the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Program.   Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link, https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage   For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner   Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: [email protected]   To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at [email protected].   To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com   All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.  

Gerry and Jim talk about the TriDot/Swim Smooth controversy, early retirement, improverments in nutrition, and swim stroke analysis. ENJOY! Jim's Nice Race Recap Elite Minds FastCat Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link, https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage   For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner   Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: [email protected]   To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at [email protected].   To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com   All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.  

Gerry and Jim chat bout the Nice World Champs, the upcoming Kona World Champs, Mindfulness, and what it takes to truly succeed come race day.    Jim's Nice Race Recap Elite Minds FastCat Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link, https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage   For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner   Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: [email protected]   To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at [email protected].   To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com   All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.  

Gerry and Jim cover a plethora of topics including: knowing your race course, Santa Barbara Triathlon take-aways, Ironman/TriDot Feud, New Ironman Qualifying, Listerner Emails, and MORE! Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link, https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage   For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner   Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: [email protected]   To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at [email protected].   To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com   All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.