The Effortless Swimming Podcast

What does it take to finish second at the Ironman World Championships? In this episode, I'm joined by professional triathlete, Kat Matthews, who's not only a fierce competitor, but also a source of inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their performance. Kat opens up about the strategies and habits that helped her climb to the top, from staying consistent with her swim training, even while traveling, to making small technique tweaks that delivered massive results. We talk about her mental approach to open water swimming, How she tackles the swim to bike transition, and the mindset required to thrive in tough race conditions. Kat also shares her journey of recovering from injury, and how it transformed her mental resilience. We discuss why creating a stable training environment, and dialing in proper nutrition, and learning to fuel correctly during workouts can make all the difference. Not just in racing, but in life. Whether you're a triathlete, a swimmer, or someone looking to gain a competitive edge, This episode is packed with actionable tips and powerful insights to help you achieve your best. So dive in and let Kat's story motivate you to push past your limits. 03:02 Leading up to the World Championship. Keeping the consistency and structure. 06:59 Vo2 Sets. 09:13 Travel and Training Calendar. 10:44 No Pressure Swims. 12:48 Change of Pace, Feeling of Control. 17:02 Swimming From Inside Out. 19:14 Race Conditions. 24:52 Don't Be A Victim 26:50 Openwater Stroke. 28:04 Bike Transition 33:00 Creating a Stable Training Environment 39:54 Fueling Correctly.

Mitch Kibby is a professional triathlete who's placed 16th in the 70.3 World Championship. He began his triathlon career without a swimming background, and has gone on to compete with some of the strongest swimmers in the pro field. This is how he did it. 00:22 Introduction 00:57 Favourite cue 01:56 Kick 03:03  Breathing both sides 05:11 Catch and pull 08:38 Developing speed 09:57 Long-term approach to improvement 10:33 Finding the right company and support

With experience coaching over 8,000 swimmers, I'm sharing what really works to improve your freestyle—from finding a relaxed, efficient stroke to mastering the catch and pull. Tune in now! 00:34 Introduction 00:59 The Importance of Relaxation and Breathing 02:54 Reducing Drag for Better Swimming 04:41 Achieving the Perfect Body Position 06:04 Effective Leg Movement and Core Engagement 09:56 Mastering Rotation 13:21 Breathing Techniques 17:01 Recovery and Entry Position 23:40 Perfecting the Catch and Pull 30:55 Finish of Stroke 32:43  Rhythm and the Timing of the Stroke (the dance)

In this episode, we sit down with Tracey Baumann to explore swim stroke synchronization and body connection for a more efficient swim. We discuss six key synchronization points, the importance of feeling the water, and the role of joint mechanics in creating a powerful stroke. Tracy shares her coaching evolution toward focusing on technique and sensory cues, emphasizing the benefits of short-interval training. Tune in now! 00:08 Introduction 01:12 Upcoming Swimming Camps 01:34 Meet Tracey Baumann 2:23 Starting with Stroke Synchronization 3:17 Building the Stroke from the Inside Out 6:45 Avoiding Dead Spots in the Stroke 10:12 Six Key Synchronization Points 17:37 Transferring Pressure and Connecting with the Water 22:52 Softening the Hands for Better Connection 27:00 Effective Coaching Language 29:40 Grounding and Body Awareness 36:00 Short Interval Training 38:40 The Impact of Bones and Joint Mechanics 42:37 Get in touch with Tracey!

Kiah Melverton, an Olympian, former world record holder, and World Championship silver medalist, joins us in this episode. Kiah offers advice on improving freestyle technique, highlighting key areas swimmers should focus on to achieve a faster, more efficient stroke. Tune in now! 00:30 Meet Kia Malverton 00:5 Head and Body Position 01:26 Kicking 04:01 Recovery and Catch 05:24 Breathing Techniques and Rhythm 07:17 Racing Cues and Technique Focus 09:15 Reflecting on Career Highlights 10:12 Advice and Training Insights 11:56 Challenging and Favorite Sets

I’ve spent 25 years helping adults become better swimmers, from beginners to pro triathletes. In this podcast, I’ll share what really works to go from feeling slow and frustrated to swimming fast, efficiently, and effortlessly. 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Balancing Tension and Relaxation 01:34 Reality vs Perception  02:24 Finding Your Unique Swimming Style 03:34 The Importance of Technique Over Effort 04:48 Kick Supports NOT Propels 05:57 Overthinking vs Feeling the Water 07:35 Swim Softer to go FASTER 08:42 Consistency is KING 11:14 Don't train like a runner! 13:26 Using Swimming Aids 15:09 Developing Your Stroke Step-by-Step 16:37 Long-Term vs Short-Term Goals 18:34 Strength and Mobility 20:08 Slow to Fast  21:14 Stroke Length vs Stroke Rate 23:26 Training for Specific Events 24:39 Open Water Swimming Tips 25:45 Turn off distraction!

Today, we’re joined by Craig Lewin, founder of Endurance Swimming, who discovered his passion in the open water. Though he started as an average swimmer in the pool, Craig found his stride in marathon swimming, where endurance and mindset matter more than speed. In this episode, he shares his journey and insights on tackling challenging open water swims. Tune in now! 01:24 Journey into Marathon Swimming  06:01 Building a Support Network and Mentors 13:05 Training and Recovery Strategies 15:25 Patience in Progress: The Long-Term Training Mindset 18:15 Embracing the Flow: Letting Go of Pace in Long Swims 20:45 Tempo vs. Stroke Length 22:30 Mental Preparation and Long Swims 27:35 Building Confidence Through Repetition 28:36 Finding the Right Coach for Long Swims 31:05 Get in touch with Craig!

In this episode, we sit down with Ash Delaney, coach of Olympic Gold Medalist and 100m freestyle world-record holder Kyle Chalmers. Ash shares his approach to coaching freestyle and offers valuable insights into how swimmers can improve their speed and technique in the water. 00:13 Introduction 00:37 Body Position and Kick Mechanics 01:58 Coaching Kyle Chalmers 03:01 Recovery and Entry 04:41 The Importance of Video Feedback 04:47 Setting Up Your Catch 5:46 Favorite Drills 7:56 Breathing Techniques 10:05 Coaching Philosophy and Common Mistakes 12:25 Challenging Training Sets 13:50 Memorable Races: Best and Worst 15:27 The Best Advice

Jaimie Fuller is the founder of EO, the creators of the SwimBetter device, which measure the force and direction of a swimmer's hand movements. These devices were used by gold and silver medalists in the 100m freestyle, Pan Zhang Lee and Kyle Chalmers, in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics. Tune in now! 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Top Swimmers Using eo SwimBETTER 05:55 Downward Force in Swimmers: What the Data Reveals 9:34 Measuring Force and Direction for Stroke Improvement 16:31 Remote Coaching and Real-Time Feedback 20:29 Analyzing Brenton's Swim 25:40 Finding Your Unique Handpath 28:04 Understanding Force vs. Time 39:04 The Role of Hand Size in Performance 40:27 Launching a New Program

The women's 10km open water race at the Paris Olympics was a thrilling and grueling event that saw Sharon Van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands and Moesha Johnson of Australia showcase extraordinary endurance and strategy. Taking out the gold and silver medals, Sharon and Moesha put together a race for the ages. In this episode, we dive into the details of the race and how it played out.  00:00 Introduction 01:45 Race Strategy 07:24 Preparation and Training 10:43 Adapting to Different Race Conditions 18:24 Navigating the Final Laps 24:06 Crossing the Finish Line 25:30 Moesha's Makes History for Australia in Open Water 27:50 Finding Strength in Loss 34:59 The Mindset of Champions 36:09 Post-Race Experiences: Media Attention and Future Plans 41:37 Get in touch with Sharon and Moesha!

Join former 6x Ironman Distance Champion and high-performance triathlon coach, Bek Keat, as she shares her insights on adapting your swimming stroke from the pool to the open water. Discover the changes triathletes must make to swim effectively in challenging conditions such as chops, waves, and crowded environments. Beck also reflects on her journey as a professional triathlete, discussing the lessons she learned and the transition into coaching. Tune in now! 00:00 Introduction 02:43 The Differences Between Open Water and Pool Swimming 05:48 The Importance of an Open Arm Recovery 11:40 Back to Basics: The Fundamentals of Breathing 17:52 The Impact of Changing Stroke Techniques 25:21 Bilateral Breathing and Breathing Patterns 29:58 Mobility, Flexibility, and Triathlon Training 35:09 The Pitfalls of Following Fitfluencers 39:21 The Accuracy of Metrics and Electronic Devices 41:51 Using Perceived Effort and Tuning into the Body 44:59 Getting Out of a Rut in Swimming: Ditch the Tech and Just Swim 49:07 Wetsuits and Buoyancy Shorts 51:30 Getting in Touch with Bek!

In today's episode, Dr. Sandra Harrell, a former 5-time NCAA All-American swimmer and physical therapy expert, shares her insights on injury prevention, strength training, and performance optimization. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Harrell covers the importance of consistent strength training, nutrition, and recovery. Her tips are valuable for athletes and those looking to stay fit as they age. Tune in now! 00:00 Introduction 02:05 The Importance of Proper Treatment and Care for Injuries 06:06 Lessons Learned: How I Would Approach Swimming Injuries Differently 08:58 Common Mistakes in Nutrition for Athletes 12:02 When and How to Start Strength Training 16:46 The Importance of Progressive Loading 20:32 The Timeframe for Seeing Results in Strength Training 22:33 The Role of Nutrition in Muscle Building and Recovery 26:50 How to Make Nutrition and Training Effortless 29:14 Customized Programs: Tailoring Training for Athletes' Goals 33:28 Finding the Right Balance: Training vs. Recovery 38:19 Success Stories: Overcoming Injuries and Improving Performance 42:46 Lifting Weights for Longevity: The Key to Enjoying Activities as We Age 48:33 How to Get in Touch with Sandra!

We're thrilled to have Chipper and Chris, the powerhouse duo behind the Löw Tide Böyz, join us. Based in Northern California, this dynamic SwimRun team is on a mission to grow the sport of SwimRun and bring it to the forefront of endurance athletics. In this episode, we'll explore why many endurance athletes are making the transition to this sport. We discuss the reasons behind its rapid growth and provide valuable insights for those interested in getting started with SwimRun. Tune in now! 00:54 Introduction to Chipper and Chris, the Löw Tide Böyz 06:27 What is SwimRun? The Basics and Origins 08:29 The Evolution of Equipment and Gear in SwimRun 13:55 Training and Strength Requirements for SwimRun 16:55 The aha moment: falling in love with SwimRun 20:36 Unexpected Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles in SwimRun 26:35 The Success of the Löw Tide Böyz Podcast: Building a Global Community 29:41 The Future of SwimRun: Innovations and Changes 35:04 Your Guide to Starting SwimRun: Resources and Tips 36:38 Get in touch with the Löw Tide Böyz!

James Anderson is an Australian-based international speaker, author, and educator passionate about helping people become better learners. In today’s episode, we cover how to fast-track our improvement as swimmers, when and how to use feedback on our technique, as well how to develop the skill of learning for better results in our swimming, work and family lives. Tune in now! 02:53 Introduction to Learning and Learnership 04:27 Understanding the Difference: Being Taught vs. Learning 26:41 Different Levels of Learners 08:57 Differentiating Between Acceptable and Unacceptable Mistakes 12:05 Active Learning and Intentional Practice 14:56 Developing a Growth Mindset and Embracing Feedback 18:42 Transforming Feedback into Actionable Advice 24:32 Changing How You See Feedback 34:32 Comfort Zone vs. Learning Zone 38:25 Frustration as a Sign of Growth 45:43 Why Some Swimmers Get Faster Immediately, While Others Get Slower 47:20 Cultivating Habits of Mind 50:28 Get in touch with James!

Today, we’re excited to welcome Tracey Bauman back to the podcast! She was a hit on episode 338, where we discussed making swimming more comfortable and efficient. In this episode, we’ll dive deeper into building a strong connection between your torso, legs, and arms, and the importance of good posture and alignment. We’ll also explore the benefits of experimenting with different kicking techniques, how body rotation affects propulsion, and finding the right balance between stroke rate and stroke count. Tune in now! 01:33 Building the Body from the Inside Out: The Key to Connection and Timing 5:35 Breaking Down the Catch 11:00 Visualizing the Ideal Arm Position for Faster, Safer Swimming 14:38 Understanding the Role of the Kick 19:56 Choosing the Right Kick Type and How to Execute It 30:00 Finding Balance and Power through Body Rotation 37:23 Stroke Rate and Cadence 43:32 Why Chasing Times Isn't Always the Answer 46:45 Get in touch with Tracy!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a Q&A session where I will answer your questions submitted on Instagram! Tune in for helpful tips and insights on how to improve your swimming. 00:48 I tried adjusting my head position, but my legs still sit too low. Do you have any recommendations? 02:42 How do you keep your hand up and gliding during the reach phase? 05:26 How do I ensure I feel my lats during a workout rather than my traps and upper back? 06:47 I went from a 1:45 to a 1:32 pace in four months, thanks to you. Now I'm hitting a wall. Any advice? 09:04 Can you explain the timing for rotation in catch phase? 13:18 How long does it take to go from being a leisurely swimmer to a highly competent swimmer? 15:48 How do you improve the skill of feeling the water? 19:20 When I push hard on the pull, it speeds up my entire process. How do I keep the cadence regular? 22:20 First focus priority, kick or catch? 23:25 Why is swimming focused on rep time cycles instead of work-to-rest ratios? 24:38 My stomach drops, but my head and legs are up, resulting in this weird U-shaped form. How do I fix it? 26:31 Send your questions!

In today's episode, we have Laura Quilter, a New Zealand swimmer and coach who has previously been the national champion in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle. Laura has achieved a lifetime PB at the age of 31, with only a third of the training she was doing in her earlier years. She’s also ventured into the sport of ice swimming (water under 5 degrees celsius) and is coaching through her platform at Aura Move. Tune in now! 02:14 Introduction and Background 04:33 Training Changes and Mindset Shift 06:55 Understanding the Sprint Stroke: Differences and Techniques 10:03 Coaching Middle to Long Distance Swimmers: More Time to Work Through 14:56 Paralysis by Analysis: The Pitfalls of Overthinking in Swimming 16:39 The Importance of Fun and Play in Swimming and Racing 20:42 Shifting Competitive Focus to Skill Execution 23:37 Curiosity as a Key Element in Consistency 29:27 Ice Swimming: Challenges and Experiences 34:24 The Recovery Process: Stripping off wet clothes and getting warm 35:47 Adapting Coaching Techniques for Individual Swimmers 40:22 Get in touch with Laura!

In this episode, we welcome back Nick Jankovskis, a sports scientist and endurance performance coach at METS Performance Consulting. Nick is an expert in improving endurance performance through accurate analysis of physiological testing. We dive into fueling and how to test physiology for endurance sports, particularly focusing on Ironman events and long-distance races. Nick shares insights on the new equipment at METS Performance that allows for more detailed testing and provides better numbers for fueling requirements. Tune in now! 00:49  Introduction and Upgrade in Equipment 03:37 Understanding the Breakdown of Fuel Utilization 08:35 Common Issues with Fueling 14:01 Timing and Frequency of Fuel Intake in Training Sessions 18:38 The Importance of Flexibility in Fueling 25:40 How Proper Fueling Can Improve Performance in Long Swimming Sessions 29:30 Challenges of Testing for Swimmers 39:41 Understanding Individual Differences in Fueling 52:12 The Power of Implementing Basic Fundamentals 53:18 Get in touch: Testing and Consultation Services

I'll share some helpful tips from the clinics and sessions we run that will improve your swimming speed and efficiency on today's podcast. I'll also discuss some new equipment I've purchased that has improved my strength, made swimming more enjoyable, and boosted my overall performance.   00:18 Introduction 00:47 Avoiding Early Breathing in Freestyle: Head vs. Shoulder Rotation 02:37 Exploring Different Kick Techniques 06:09 Addressing Fatigue and Comfort in the Water 09:07 Improving Balance and Efficiency in the Water 13:37 The Game-Changing Custom Earplugs for Swimming 15:32 How a Chin Up Bar Helped Improve My Upper Body Strength 18:07 The Benefits of Anti Fog Goggles 20:10 How This Magnesium Powder Transformed My Sleep 21:25 ES Squad: Level Up Your Swim Workouts 24:25 Exciting Camps Planned for Next Year   Try PILLAR today, head to pillarperformance.shop and enter code EFFORTLESS for 15% off, or for any North American listeners, enter the same code at TheFeed.com.

Join us on this episode as we sit down with Tracey Baumann, the co-founder of SwimMastery and author of 'The Swim Mastery Way'. With over 20 years of teaching and coaching experience, Tracy has worked with swimmers of all levels, from beginners to English Channel swimmers. In this podcast, Tracey shares her expert insights and cues from her book, offering valuable tips to help you become a faster and more efficient swimmer. 00:15 Introduction and Background 04:01 Breath Management and Overcoming Fear exchange and calmness 09:18 Teaching Swimmers to Breathe Using Their Diaphragm: Challenges and Solutions 12:18 How Often Should You Breathe? 18:20 The Role of Bones and Joints in Achieving Proper Body Position 21:58 Exploring the Relationship Between Hip Flexors and Body Position in Water 26:04 Teaching Effective Kicking Techniques 28:00 Over-Rotation and Losing Position: Common 33:35 The Trident Analogy 35:16 Shoulders and Scapula Mechanics in Swimming: Debunking Common Misconceptions 38:33 Tapping into Natural Joint Mechanics for a Better Catch 42:44 Developing a Sensory Connection to the Water 47:11 The Power of Tactile Feedback in Swim Coaching 48:56 The Physics Behind a Correct Arm Recovery 55:00 Get in touch with Tracey!