This week, we huddled around the mic in California to chat about training, racing, and managing fatigue. We covered: Carbon and aluminum disc brakes vs. rim brakes Staying fit while on vacation Last-minute race advice for a novice Tire inserts for road and mountain biking Bike bags—what’s worth it? Our biggest aha moments in sport A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlo...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 158
This week, we dove into a variety of listener-submitted questions (and a few rabbit holes). We discussed: How Eric’s PT for his labral tear is finally working At what distance a swimskin becomes worth it Using music in videos and reels without infringing on copyright Avoiding chlorine rash How pro athletes recover Healthy snacks for a hungry triathlete How to get tickets for Eric and Nick’s film, Look for Things Where You Can Find Them A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podca...
Feb 27, 2025•51 min•Ep. 157
This week, we tackled a variety of triathlon topics from listener-submitted questions, including: Using carbon-plated shoes for everyday training How to utilize caffeine for training and racing Can ibuprofen help prevent injury? Staying aero vs. sitting up on the trainer Learning from other full-distance athletes Swim-only open water races The Tucson Shootout ride Cleaning a bike indoors A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast an...
Feb 20, 2025•51 min•Ep. 156
This week, we dive into Eric’s incredible 2nd-place finish at the Black Canyon Ultras 50K trail race! We’re joined by special guest Heather Jackson to break down the race experience, share insights on the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, and discuss what’s next for both of them. A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlonLife.com/podcast Foreign Rider X TTL...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 155
This week, we kick things off with some triathlon news, Eric’s pre-race thoughts on the Black Canyon 50K, a round of rapid-fire questions, and then dive into listener-submitted topics. Here’s what we covered: Favorite biking and running socks When to time a massage pre- and post-race Giro Aerohead II helmet Electronic shifters: worth it? Are Ironman tattoos in or out? Fitting in winter trainer sessions as a young swimmer Different tire sizes for front and rear wheels "Taking in" the sc...
Feb 06, 2025•59 min•Ep. 154
This week on the podcast, Eric kicks things off with the latest triathlon news, we test his skills (and spelling) with the TTL Spelling Bee, and then dive into your hard-hitting triathlon questions. Here’s what we covered: Using track cycling as a training tool Packed swim lanes Barefoot running Wetsuit fit issues Speed wobbles How many Timbits you can eat in 24 hours Backyard Ultras Gravel riding backpacks Our favorite sports films Using the elliptical and aqua jogging while injured A big thank...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 153
This week, we dive into the dynamics of co-existing as an athlete couple and the unique realities that come with it. We also tackled a variety of topics, including: Carbon-plated running sandals: they are real. The creative process: What comes first—music or video? Wahoo Kickr maintenance tips If you won $5M, would you retire from triathlon? Shoes that perform well on both pavement and trail in the same run Open water swimming in a cross current: Tips and tricks Should you re-index your rear der...
Jan 23, 2025•53 min•Ep. 152
This week, we kicked things off with some triathlon news, followed by an intense round of “This or That,” and wrapped up with your listener questions. Topics we covered include: Why some pro triathletes don’t share power numbers on Strava Is it worth investing in a dedicated trainer bike? What is normalized power, and how do you use it? The best part of being a public figure in triathlon Swim TSS and gauging swim effort effectively When to replace race sealant in tubeless tires Using a "cra...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 151
Welcome to our 150th episode of That Triathlon Life! We did things a little differently this time to celebrate this milestone. We filmed the entire episode and brought you along for the ride. Watch it on YouTube We took it up a notch by calling listeners who shared their phone numbers with us and had them ask their questions live on the show. Thank you to all of our amazing listeners and supporters for helping us reach this milestone—we couldn’t have done it without you! You can become a podcast...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 150
Happy New Year! 🎉 This week, we’re keeping it classic with “Bike Tech with Eric” to kick things off, followed by a variety of listener-submitted triathlon questions. Topics include: Essential tools for building up a new bike Using an ultrasonic cleaner for wax prep How hard pro triathletes really push in races Pacing strategies for headwind/tailwind out-and-back bike courses Avoiding the dreaded raccoon eyes 12-speed bike compatibility on an 11-speed trainer Eric and Paula’s ski/snowboard gear ...
Jan 02, 2025•57 min•Ep. 149
For our holiday special episode this week, we kicked things off with some "Good Gift, Bad Gift" to keep it festive, and then moved on to your triathlon questions. This week, we discussed: Our one word for 2024 and 2025 Riding hills on a bike Homestays Sports watch accuracy during pool swimming Incorporating speed work into 70.3 training Buying a used tubular disc wheel Googly eyes in Bend A big thank you to our podcast supporters who help keep the podcast alive. You can become a podcas...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 148
This week, Paula and Nick both raced in Taupō at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. We talked about their experiences racing as both a top professional and an eager amateur. After recapping their races, we dove into some listener questions. This week we discussed: How has pro triathlon gotten so fast lately? Is the Shiv Tri faster with the fin on? Have you tested it? Solutions for long-distance hydration on the bike. How to respond to a TTL shoutout IRL. Thank you to our podcast supporters wh...
Dec 19, 2024•57 min•Ep. 147
This week we are all in Taupō, New Zealand! We thought it would be fun to switch things up a bit and do a collaborative episode with Kyle Glass from Pro Tri News. We chatted about travel, racing, the T100, Ironman Pro Series, and more! Thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlonLife.com/podcast...
Dec 12, 2024•52 min•Ep. 146
This week, Zack Cooper joins us to chat about triathlon! Zack is a professional triathlete and a member of the TTL Devo team. With the Indian Wells race just a week away, we thought it would be the perfect time to have him on the podcast. Here’s what we covered: Wireless earphones for cycling and running The Orca Flew wetsuit: Is it suitable for cold-water races? Weekend routines for professional triathletes Spectating tips for IM 70.3 Indian Wells Canicross and canitriathlon Packing a bike for ...
Dec 05, 2024•57 min•Ep. 145
Happy Thanksgiving! This week, we’re keeping it short and sweet with a special holiday episode. We kick things off with some swim-themed rapid-fire questions and dive into listener-submitted triathlon topics. Here’s what we’re discussing this week: What to do if you feel like you’re peaking too early for a race The challenges of Adult Onset Swimmers (AOS) and what’s behind them Planning your race season around menstruation Running drills Running leggings for women Avoiding a clogged tubeless val...
Nov 28, 2024•45 min•Ep. 144
This week, we get Paula's take on what it was like racing the T100 series this year and how it compares to her experience racing middle-distance triathlons in the past. We introduce a new segment: Swim Sets with Paula and then dive into listener-submitted questions. Topics this week include: Dealing with disappointment after an unsatisfying race What Eric would have done differently (and similarly) to prepare for an Ultra Concerns about losing speed toward the end of the season Living and t...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 143
This week, we all huddled around the mics in Bend, OR, and got an epic race recap from Eric's first 50k trail ultramarathon. After we explored the nitty-gritty of what it took for Eric to make it to the finish, we got to answering some listener-submitted triathlon questions. This week we talked about: Incorporating weight training into triathlon training How TTL takes photos on runs, and tips on how to improve Using insoles while running Pacing the swim start when adrenaline takes over A bi...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 142
This week we get ready for Eric's first Ultra: a 50 km race at Smith Rock, OR. We got some Bike Tech with Eric discussing bedding in brakes, and torque wrenches, and then we moved on to your general triathlon questions. This week we discussed: Minimum gear requirements for Unbound Gravel Does bilateral breathing have a place in triathlon? Storing a bike for the winter Why wear a swim cap? PAULA RAPID FIRE 🔥 Forced time away from triathlon - and how to handle it How to handle a big DNF, esp...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 141
This week we started with discussion around the Ironman Men's World Championships in Kona, and how exciting of a race it was. We did some triathlon and fueling themed "This or That", and then discussed your listener submitted questions. This week, we talked about: Training in/for adverse weather conditions Different greases and lubes for different parts of the bike Reducing cost and waste by willingly declining race swag Changing into sport specific clothing for each leg of an Iro...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 140
This week, we recorded the podcast together, outside, in Mammoth, CA! We huddled together and got a race recap for the challenging T100 Lake Las Vegas race that took place a couple days prior. Paula gave us the nitty gritty, and then we moved on to some listener-submitted questions. This week we discussed: Racing outside of pro triathlon as a pro triathlete sleeping in noisy hotel rooms Top places to live and train in the USA Getting a bike fit through an automated app Check out the TTL Gravel H...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 139
This week, Paula is in Portland, OR for the On Athlete Summit, Nick and Eric are trail running in the Front Range Mountains in Colorado shooting a scene from their film. As usual, we got to chat about triathlon via listener-submitted questions. This week we talked about: How similar Road and TT bike positions should be. Are all high end bike hubs loud? How to order the right size wetsuit Taper, how to do it, why to do it, and how it should feel Volume vs intensity when training in extreme heat H...
Oct 10, 2024•45 min•Ep. 138
This week, we hear all about Paula's race in Spain at the T100 Ibiza triathlon! We are back at our respective homes this week and after the race recap, we dig into your questions! This week we talk about: Chainring sizes and whether it's "cheating" to size down Staying warm for a cold water triathlon swim like xTri Canadaman Keeping the top half of your tri-suit off under your wetsuit Taking a week off from training, and how it affects your fitness A big thank you to our podc...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 137
This week, Eric and Paula are in Ibiza, Spain, getting ready to race T100 Ibiza! This past weekend, Paula competed in the time trial in UCI World Championships, so we started with her story about the whole experience, and then moved on to your triathlon questions! This week, we talked about: Mechanics and in race neutral support for Ironman and T100 races. Do pros wear off-the-shelf cycling kits, or are they custom? Electric bike pumps and what do Eric and Paula use when traveling. Casual road c...
Sep 26, 2024•55 min•Ep. 136
This week we did our best to piece together an episode in three different places. Eric and Paula were recording from Switzerland with small handheld mics, Nick was without electricity in LA, and our special guest, Jake Senitza was in Florida. Apologies if it isn't our greatest episode but we are very excited about launching the TTL App! This week, we talked about: Swim pacing with or without an Aussie exit Is a disc wheel still worth it on a hilly course How to pass 3 hours on Zwift How ear...
Sep 19, 2024•53 min•Ep. 135
This week we get to hear about Paula's experience racing in China at the Challenge Beijing triathlon, and then we move on to your triathlon questions! This week we talked about: What do pros do with their trophies Alternative races, and virtual races Repairing tubeless tires at a car tire shop Tailoring a 70.3 for Olympic distance racing Cycling gloves Developing good habits and eliminating bad habits in triathlon A big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To subm...
Sep 12, 2024•52 min•Ep. 134
This week we covered a ton of questions but started with some Bike Tech With Eric beforehand. This week we talked about: How to fix grinding gears when on the trainer Qualifying for World Championships as a fast age grouper How to find a coach, and a training plan Power difference between TT bike and gravel bike Bar tape varieties on different kinds of bikes Open water wetsuits vs triathlon wetsuits How to handle part of a race being cancelled Mechanical vs electronic shifting on triathlon bike ...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 133
This week we start out with a TTL Spelling Bee: fueling edition. In the middle of the episode, we challenged ourselves to draw the TTL logo from memory (and with our eyes closed) We then move onto your wonderful questions about triathlon. This week we talk about: Cold plunges Training plans for maximum fun Essential items for van life Best type of bike for XTERRA TTL Pictionary Super shoes and how effective they are for slower runners Clip-on aero bars on tapered handlebars When to replace a sad...
Aug 29, 2024•57 min•Ep. 132
This week we start with a funny story of somebody helping Nick change a flat on the side of the road, then we talk waxed chains in a Bike Tech With Eric segment, and finally move on to your questions. This week we talked about: Chain wax and maintenance When and how to switch coaches Thoughts on renting a bike for 70.3 World Championships Our podcast equipment and software Best eating practices for a busy triathlete How we calculate swim time for weekly volume If we could re-do any race, what wo...
Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 131
This week, we start by talking about the magic that was Eric and Paula's wedding, and then we move on to your questions. This week we talked about: Racing when feeling unprepared Other potential race distances for triathlon at the Olympics Riding etiquette on a paved rail trail The income economics of being a pro triathlete What power meter to use for an outdoor bike, and a trainer bike Racing 70.3 as a 56-year-old with some concerns over heart safety Why Paula likes crit racing Racing XTER...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 130
This week we start by talking generally about the men's and women's race at the Olympics, and then we get to your listener submitted questions. This week we discuss: Water quality issues at the Olympics Favorite Olympic events Did the weather for the Olympic TT affect Paula's desire to race it? Rear bike lights for aero seat posts Bang-for-buck: aero race wheels vs treadmill Riding off-road in the offseason to keep your road bike in good shape Go to supplement for training and rac...
Aug 01, 2024•53 min•Ep. 129
