Atalanta

We’re kicking off 2026 the only way that felt right — with Joanna Wietrzyk back on the podcast.Jo was our very first guest of 2025, and since then, her career has gone stratospheric. From racing just a handful of times in Australia to Elite 15 Major wins, world podiums, and now a dream weekend racing on home soil in Melbourne — this season has been next level.In this episode, we dive into what life looks like after winning 2/2 Majorss so far this season! Jo opens up about racing with less pressure, using each event as a learning opportunity, and treating the season as a build towards Worlds. We talk doubles racing with Jess Pettrow — why their partnership works so well, how they read each other mid-race, and why friendship matters just as much as fitness.We also get into:What it’s like racing mixed doubles with Hunter McIntyreRacing fatigued and why Jo actually enjoys itWhy consistency beats chasing shortcutsHow transitions can make or break your raceThe reality of rising competition in HyroxAnd what it really takes to move from rookie to eliteIf you’re setting goals for the year ahead, this episode is a reminder that progress isn’t flashy — it’s built race by race, rep by rep.Happy New Year. Let’s get into it. 🎧Follow Jo over on instagram : @joannawietrzyk YouTube : @joannawietrzykkIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

In this episode, we’re joined by physiotherapist, trail runner and running-rehab specialist Sophie Vecchione for an in-depth conversation on RED-S, stress fractures, hormones and long-term athlete health.We explore why injuries like stress fractures are becoming increasingly common, how low energy availability and under-recovery impact the body, and why understanding hormonal health is essential for female athletes.In this episode we cover:• What RED-S actually is (and why it’s more than just under-fuelling)• Stress fractures, bone health, and why they occur• How hormones influence injury risk across different life stages• Why postpartum and peri-/post-menopause are higher-risk periods for active women• The importance of menstrual health and building bone density in your teens and 20s• Exercise dependency, recovery, and the cost of chronic under-recovery• How to train for performance without compromising long-term healthSophie breaks down complex and often misunderstood topics with clarity, offering practical insights for runners and athletes navigating training through different phases of life.Whether you’re a runner, CrossFit or HYROX athlete, or simply someone who trains regularly, this episode offers essential knowledge to help you stay healthy, resilient and performing well long-term.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcastsFollow Sophie over on instagram : @runfreerehabIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

Today’s episode is a CrossFit × HYROX crossover with Lucy McGonigle & Holly Tynan — two elite CrossFit athletes who stepped onto the Hyrox race floor in Dublin to test themselves in a very different arena.Holly, a multiple-time CrossFit semi-finalist, and Lucy, who made her CrossFit Games debut this season, chat through why they decided to give HYROX a go, how they approached the running-heavy format, and what surprised them most on race day. The conversation also dives into how CrossFit and HYROX overlap, and where they differ — particularly when it comes to running, machine work and endurance. Holly shares why she’ll always swap running for the Echo bike when athletes are injured, explaining how it best replicates the threshold feeling of a hard run compared to the rower or SkiErg. Whether you’re a CrossFitter curious about Hyrox,, a runner looking to build strength, or an athlete managing injury while keeping fitness high, this episode is packed with practical insight — and plenty of laughs along the way.Follow the girls over on instagram : @lucy.mcgonigle @crossfit.resplendent @hqfitld@holly_tynan2000 @crossfitaberdeenIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

In this episode, we sit down with Eilidh, a coach at Elation in Glasgow, Graham Hallidays gym and an incredible Scottish Hyrox athlete making a name for herself in the space. She shares how she went from trying the movements for the first time (with hilarious old videos to prove it!) to becoming fully hooked on the sport. Eilidh opens up about starting out as the last person in her first Hyrox class, the power of community, and how consistent coaching completely changed her game.We dive into her running background, how pressure affected her performances last season, and the mindset shift that helped her drop from 1:16 to 1:05 Pro Solo — plus how she got her run speed back to a sub-19 5K. She gets real about confidence, fuelling, navigating plateaus, and why fun (and a weighted vest) might just be the secret weapon for elite performance.A full, honest, relatable conversation for anyone chasing PBs, trying to fall back in love with training, or stuck in the messy middle of progression.Follow Eilidh over on instagram : @elationeilidh Follow Elation Gym : @elationgymglasgowIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week we sit down with runner, creator and women’s coach Lily Collyer, whose fitness journey took off when she moved to Dubai. Over the last four years she’s taken on 24 hours of burpees, a 100K ultra, and multiple marathons — all while fundraising for mental health charities and sharing her story online.Lily opens up about:The transition from ultras to speed-focused marathon training (“I was humbled… it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done”).What Berlin’s brutal heat taught her about respecting the marathon distance.Running a solo, night-time marathon across Dubai — no music, alone, carrying a gimbal — to show how safe the city is for women (“I was told to go to the darkest places”).Why doing less can sometimes unlock your best performances.The realities of self-belief, discipline and starting small.And… a little hint about what next year’s challenge might look like.A raw, honest and empowering episode that proves you don’t need to be extraordinary to take on extraordinary things.Follow Lily over on instagram : @lilycollyerOn TikTok : @lilycollyer_If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with the insanely talented Laura Belgrave — the creative force behind LB Visuals and one of the standout visual storytellers in the Hyrox space. Lauras ability to capture emotion, intensity and real human grit is unmatched — but her journey to becoming a videographer wasn’t linear. In fact, it started with being made redundant twice, losing her confidence, questioning her path, and finally taking the leap into full-time creative work… with no rulebook, no guaranteed income, and no clear plan other than backing herself.We talk about:🎥 How she found her place in a space still dominated by men📸 The pressure, adrenaline and chaos of shooting race days and fitness events🏃‍♀️ Her process for following athletes, capturing storylines, and staying everywhere at once🔥 Building LB Visuals from scratch and navigating self-belief along the way❤️ Her own fitness journey & love for Hyrox Follow Laura over on instagram : Business - @lb.visualssPersonal - @lb.fitt If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week we’re joined by the incredible Bryony Keys — an athlete whose story is equal parts heartbreaking, inspiring and unbelievably powerful. Bryony opens up about the tragic accident that left 75% of her foot shattered, the months of uncertainty that followed, and the mental battle of coming back from an injury that threatened to take running away from her completely.She talks honestly about the darkest parts of that journey: stepping away from social media, losing her identity as an athlete, the frustration, the loneliness, and the slow, stubborn rebuild back to strength.But Bryony’s story isn’t defined by the injury — it’s defined by what she did next.- Her first Ironman.- Winning the BPN Survive the Night 50-mile ultra.- Earning the golden chip for the BPN Last Man Standing.- And rediscovering her purpose along the way.This is a conversation about resilience, rebuilding, belief and doing hard things — even when the world tells you that you shouldn’t be able to. Bryony is proof that you can rewrite your story, even when the ending looks nothing like what you expected.Follow Bryony over on instagram : @coachbryonyIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week we’re joined by Amy and Rosie Walsh — identical twin sisters taking the Hyrox world by storm. They are currently your U24 Women's Pro Doubles World Record Holders.Still early in their athletic journey, Amy and Rosie have already made a big impression — not just with their race times, but with their energy, humility, and love for the sport.We talk about what it’s like to compete side-by-side as sisters, how they use their twin to elevate their performance, and the lessons they’ve learned about teamwork, mindset, and communication under pressure.Grounded, driven, and genuinely loving every minute of it — this is only the beginning for the Walsh twins, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.Follow the girls over on instagram: @amyrosiefitTo check out their coaching page head to: @hybridcorecoachingIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week, we’re joined by Kat Parnell — a former footballer turned Elite Hyrox athlete who’s learned that mindset can make or break performance.Kat shares how a simple shift in perspective helped her unlock one of her best performances yet — a 1:01 solo race in Birmingham.She also talks about reuniting with her old football friend Jade Skillen to take on a doubles race, which led to competing in the elite field in her first major, and learning how to stay composed when the pressure’s on.We also talk about the importance of listening to your body and recovery from training, Kat shares her top tips from a massage therapists point of view.This episode is all about growth & perspective — both on and off the competition floor.🎧 Honest, inspiring, and packed with takeaways for every athlete!Follow Kat over on instagram : @katparnell and her gym @airbornefitofficialIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week we’re joined by Georgie Ricks, a PCOS coach, nutritionist, and personal trainer who’s helping women understand their hormones and finally feel at home in their bodies.Georgie opens up about her own 15-year journey living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — from struggling with unexplained weight gain, anxiety, and skin issues, to feeling completely lost and frustrated by a lack of answers.Through persistence and her background in Biochemistry and Nutrition, Georgie discovered how to manage her symptoms naturally and now helps women do the same — balancing hormones, improving energy, and rebuilding confidence without relying on birth control or synthetic medication.We dive into what PCOS really is, the myths around it, and how nutrition, training, and lifestyle shifts can support your body to thrive.🎧 Tune in now — this one’s packed with practical advice and hope for anyone navigating hormonal health.Follow Georgie over on instagram : @itsapcospartyCheck out her website : https://itsapcosparty.comIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

In this episode, we chat with Sam Bilbie — three-time HYROX Age Group World Champion, four-time world record holder, and proof that age is never a limit.At 51, Sam is still getting faster, stronger, and more competitive. She shares how her approach to training, recovery, and mindset has evolved — and the lessons she’s learned about consistency, self-belief, and trusting the process.Whether you’re chasing a PB or looking for longevity in your sport, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration from one of HYROX’s most grounded and accomplished athletes.Follow Sam over on instagram : @sambilbie If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

In this episode we’re joined by Jane Erbacher, founder of Erg Army, we like to call her “Queen of the Ergs.” Jane’s energy is unmatched, and so is her knowledge. We dive into her two favourite things - the Rower and the Ski Erg and how to use these to your advantage in your upcoming Hyrox season! So many incredible takeaways for training and racing. We also talk about her experience at the Red Bull Coaches Camp, the mindset behind performance, and how training with purpose translates into everyday life.Expect big laughs, practical insights, and plenty of motivation to approach your next session differently. Whether you’re an erg fan or just looking to get stronger and more resilient, Jane brings advice that’s both inspiring and actionable.Follow Jane over on instagram : @ergarmy Website: https://ergarmy.comIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week on the Atalanta Podcast we’re joined by Jennifer Muir, follownig her debut this summer at the CrossFit Games.Jen shares the highs and lows of competing on the biggest stage in Crossfit, what it takes to develop the mindset of an elite athlete, and why passion has to be at the centre of everything you do. From building an engine that underpins every workout to learning new skills and embracing the grind, Jen talks honestly about the work behind the results and how she’s trained in many disciplines which have ultimately led to where she is now.  We believe Jen is the ultimate hybrid athlete. Whether you’re chasing your chasing a Hyrox PB, aiming for your first pull-up or dreaming of the Crossfit Games, this episode is packed with insights to fuel your training and mindset.  Follow Jennifer over on instagram : @jennifermuir99If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week we chat to Georgie Bullock, 5x Hyrox podium finisher, personal trainer and online coach, passionate about helping others on their own fitness journey.In this episode, Georgie opens up about the highs and lows of her training, how she reframed her mindset to focus on what her body can do rather than how it looks, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Georgie talks us through the highs and lows of competing, the mental and physical battles she’s faced, and the mindset shift that changed everything: now celebrating what her body can achieve.We dive into how she fuels for performance, builds resilience after setbacks, and finds balance between pushing her limits and protecting her long-term health. This is an honest and empowering conversation that every female athlete will connect with — because it’s not just about how we look, it’s about how strong, capable and powerful we can become.Expect raw honesty, practical insights, and inspiration for any athlete looking to celebrate performance over perfection.Follow Georgie over on instagram :  @staybalancedwithg and @staybalanced.coachingIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week’s guest is none other than Renee McGregor – one of the leading voices in sports nutrition, RED-S, and hormonal health. She’s worked with Olympic and Commonwealth athletes, written bestselling books, and is also a trail and ultra runner herself.We dive into everything from fuelling for performance to the realities of RED-S, how hormones impact training, and why nutrition is about so much more than macros. Renee has a way of breaking down complex science into advice you can actually use – whether you’re chasing podiums or just want to feel stronger on your runs.If you’ve ever wondered how to fuel smarter, train with your hormones, and avoid the pitfalls so many female athletes face, this one is for you.Follow Renee over on instagram : @r_mcgregorHead over to her website : https://reneemcgregor.comCheck our her books : https://reneemcgregor.com/product-category/books/If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week we’re joined by Kayti Simonson – Canadian HYROX athlete, lawyer, public speaker, and all-round powerhouse. She raced in the Elite 15 Doubles at Worlds in Chicago with Kris Rugloski and represented Canada in the relay, but when she’s not on the competition floor you’ll find her in the courtroom… or out on the trails with a mountain bike.We chat about:✨ Balancing a demanding career with elite racing✨ Why her off-season looked a lot more like hiking than wall balls✨ How she keeps training fun and sustainable✨ Remembering you’re more than just an athlete✨ Plus, her book club (yep – you’re gonna want to join this one)If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to juggle real life with world-level performance, Kayti’s perspective is the reminder we all need.Follow the over on instagram : @kaytisimonsonIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week, we sit down with Carla Molinaro — elite runner, coach, and world record holder for running the entire length of the UK in just 12 days. 🏆Carla’s career is stacked with achievements: 50K World Champion (2023), podium finishes at the legendary Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon, plus countless ultra-distance adventures that push the limits of endurance.In this episode, Carla shares her journey from chasing podiums to breaking world records, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how strength, conditioning, and yoga have become key tools in her performance. As the founder of SCY (Strength, Conditioning & Yoga for runners), she also explains how hybrid athletes and runners alike can build resilience, prevent injury, and run stronger for longer.🎧 Tune in for an inspiring mix of elite racing insight, practical training advice, and mindset lessons you can apply to your own goals — whether that’s on the track, the road, or the trails.Follow Carla over on instagram : @carlamolinaro and @scyforrunners Website : https://www.carlamolinaro.comIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week, we’re joined by elite trail and ultra runner Holly Wootten — a powerhouse across the trails, fells, sky, and ultra distances. Fresh off her win at the Helvellyn Sky Ultra, Holly breaks down what it takes to race one of the UK’s most technical mountains and how those experiences have shaped her approach to competition.She also shares her recent race experience at the 247 event at Rivington with Team Theta, the unique challenges of ultra racing, and why hill running can be a game-changer for performance — not just for mountain athletes, but for anyone looking to build strength, resilience, and speed.Packed with practical advice, training insights, and mindset gems, Holly’s story is a reminder that every climb, every race, and every challenge teaches us something new.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on backing yourself, learning from the hills, and finding joy in doing the thing that you love.Follow Holly over on instagram : @hollywootten To see how Holly is getting on in The Dragons Back Race check out their instagram @dragonsbackrace If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

This week we sit down with Em Pitomaki, LSKD’s Athlete Manager. LSKD is currently one of the fastest growing activewear brands in Australia and it’s one that we feel very grateful to be a part of. We chat about how LSKD’s community and brand values shape everything they do, the “1% better every day” mindset, and what they’re really looking for when teaming up with athletes. Em gives us an inside look at how the brand supports athletes through every step of their journey – both on and off the competition floor.Em also shares what it’s like working with some of the world’s best – including the GOAT, Tia-Clair Toomey – and reflects on standout moments from their career with LSKD so far.Whether you’re into fitness, sport, or just love hearing from people who make things happen behind the scenes, this one’s packed with insight, inspiration and good vibes. Em is a close friend, an absolute legend, and a human who oozes passion and positive energy – we can guarantee you’ll take something away from this one!Follow Em & LSKD over on instagram : @em_pitomaki@LSKDIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.

Since our last episode (this time last year), Lauren Weeks has smashed another HYROX season — 3 major wins, a World Championship title in Elite Doubles with Lauren Griffith, 3rd in Elite Solo, and a relay race that got everyone talking.But it’s not just the results. Lauren is known as one of the most welcoming and encouraging athletes in the Elite 15, and in this episode, you’ll hear exactly why.We chat about:- Balancing elite racing with mum life (Lily is the best training partner)!- How to keep showing up when the season gets tough- Why lifting others up matters just as much as winning- What Laurens next Hyrox season looks like- Thoughts on the new penalty box- Unfinished business in the 100KIt’s real, it’s honest, and it’s very Lauren.Follow Lauren over on instagram : @Lauren_e_weeks and on YouTube : @LaurenWeeks-THEFor info about The Hybrid Engine head to thehybridengine.comIf you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests!  Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week!As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey.LSKD : Use code ATALANTA20 for 20% off LSKDMyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.