The Triathlon Age Group Journey

How do you go about setting your season of races?  Do you sit down all at once and select them?  Do you pick them as your season goes?  What bucket list races do you have?  In this episode, Matt, Jay, and Jillian discuss all this and more!  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/noise-cake/off-the-wallLicense code: XBQ8CESDZBIL695C

Recovery means a lot of things in the sport of triathlon.  Recovery may be the time dedicated within a workout between intervals, a day off, what you do between workouts in the same day, or even what you do to prepare for a race.  Matt, Jillian, and Jay talk about all their favorite means and methods to letting the body get stronger... that is the real reason for recovery!  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/noise-cake/off-the-wallLicense code: XBQ8CESDZBIL695C

Jay, Matt, and Jillian took a bit of hiatus to reformulate plans and figure out how to juggle life with triathlon and recording a podcast.  We are making a small adjustment to the format of the pod but it will make a big difference for everyone's training and racing!  Listen to this episode for more details about Season 2 of The Triathlon Age Group Journey!!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/noise-cake/off-the-wallLicense code: XBQ8CESDZBIL695C

From the velodrome as a kid to triathlon and beyond, Jason Davidson epitomizes longevity in endurance sports.  With multiple age group podiums at the 70.3 and the full distance, Jason discusses what secrets have helped him stay competitive and reach multiple world championships.  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough 

No single word describes the character that is Anthony Haddad!  From nearly couch to Ironman, Anthony will amaze you with his "bring it on" approach to life.  Age group triathletes have a lot to learn from someone that just decides to give something a go.  It might be ego, bravado, or being foolhardy.  It doesn't matter, Anthony is an Ironman now and that can never be taken from him!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough

What is the secret to longevity in the sport of triathlon?  Mike Gastineau started in the sport in 1985.  Like many of us he was captivated by the budding sport of triathlon shown on ABC's Wide World of Sports.  Fast forward to 2023... Mike demonstrated how age is just a number and tackled six 70.3's at the age of 60!  What is his secret recipe of remaining committed to the sport for so long?  Listen and you will find out!Link to a blog post about Mike's 6 for 60 ChallengeMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough

15 full distance triathlons!  Not many individuals rack up this kind of experience on the race course.  Jen Rulon proved to us that she epitomizes the age group triathlon lifestyle including qualifying and racing in Kona.  However, it all did not come easily and life challenged her to make changes.  Listen to how Jen overcame these changes, established boundaries and now lives a full life.  She is giving it all back through her work as a coach, mindset mentor, and a podcast host herself.  Be inspired by Jen!Jen's Website and where you can find the Everyday Healthy Human Podcast: https://jenrulon.com/Music by Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough

"Where is your head at?" The space between your ears could be the biggest inhibitor of the performance you are seeking as an age group athlete.  We are honored to have Dr. Jim Taylor join us on the podcast to share with us his triathlon journey as well as his expertise in sports psychology.  Dr. Taylor is a very prominent expert on the topic and helps professional, elite, and age group athletes in all sports build their "mental muscles" to increase their performance potential!!Dr. Jim Taylor's WebsiteMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough

Known as "Sprint the Energizer Bunny" and for more than 20 years, Gina Welc has done almost everything you can imagine in the multisport universe including all distances of triathlons, marathon swims, ultra runs, and duathlon.   Her spirit and positive attitude is something we all can learn from in keeping us grounded in our endeavors.  We connected with Gina way back after episode 11 when Haiku's were a thing on this podcast.   Gina's training group, Team Rabbit, has written over 400 rhymes related to their adventures.  Check out Team Rabbit (teamrabbitorg.blogspot.com) for some silly and fun raps and rhymes!

Matt and Jillian were a dynamic duo hosting the podcast this week because Jay was their guest to talk about his journey creating a new Fastest Known Time route called, "Johnny's Route to Heaven."  If you are a regular listener to this podcast, you will already know much of the background of this story.  However, regulars and new listeners will get a full recap of the route attempt and the story behind the fundraiser for The ALS Association.  We hope you are encouraged to tackle any fears you might have to take on an adventure that is just one or two steps beyond what you think is possible!Here is a link to the Johnny's Route to Heaven Fundraiser for The ALS Assocation if you are interested in donating.Here is a link to the Fastest Known Time Route.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough

Many triathletes dream of making it to the Big Island.  How long have you dreamed of racing in Kona?  Cary Maycock has been racing triathlon for 36 years!  Early on she never thought she could make that Kona dream come true.  Through persistence, patience, and a bit of urging from friends, Cary was able to make that dream come true this past October!  We hope you enjoy hearing about Cary's journey that includes 10 full distance, 20 half distance, and dozens and dozens of Olympic and sprint races.  She is quite an ambassador for the sport we love!Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough  

In this episode we had the privilege to talk with USA Triathlon's Chief Sport Development Officer, Tim Yount and Club Program Manager Chad Cunningham about some exciting news regarding triathlon's growth at the youth and collegiate level and how we all can participate.  We also discuss the state of local races and what we all can do to help support your local triathlon community.  After this episode, we hope you are inspired to get involved with USA Triathlon!  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough

How about a little sunshine in your day now that daylight savings time is over!  Cami is an absolute delight and truly loves the process of becoming better as a triathlete.  As she said herself, "Racing is icing on the cake!"  She clearly loves the sport and has really improved in short order to become a front of pack finisher!  Be on the lookout for "Cami's Kitchen" a new digital recipe book that is sure to help you balance your triathlon, work, family life better!

"Kay made me do it!"... this is the rallying cry for literally dozens of athletes that took on Ironman California two weeks ago.   Our one and only, Captain Kay Grant (from episode 3) took on her first full distance triathlon and absolutely crushed it!  You cannot miss this episode.  Kay's story and perspective is exactly why Matt, Jillian, and I created this podcast.  She will make you laugh, cry, and smile the entire episode!  Kay is our mighty triathlon warrior and our absolutely badass grandma!!!   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough

We welcome back Amanda Almond to the Triathlon Age Group Journey to talk about her Kona experience!  Amanda is our first repeat guest and you can learn about her journey in episode 7.   The Ironman World Championships was special this year with an all-female race day in Kona.  Amanda shares everything about her preparation, race experience, opinion about the vibes in Kona, and tips in how to succeed on the Big Island!  She proved she knows as she was the top American finisher in the female 30-34 age group, ran down 25 spots, and had a sub ten-hour finishing time!  Every triathlete will learn something in this episode to improve their training and racing!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough

Six full distance Ironman events on six continents in one year?  Check!  Train for triathlon while covering the war on the ground in Afghanistan? Check!  Training women in developing countries to go from no sports background to completing half distance triathlons?  Check!  You do not want to miss our conversation with Jackie Faye!  Jackie has done incredible things and will tell you all about them in this riveting episode!To learn about She Can Tri Please considering supporting their cause!Music from #Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough

Get ready!  Super mom Ashley Hankamp will blow you away with how well she juggles triathlon training with life.  A mother of four, elementary art school teacher, and pretty good triathlete, Ashley handles all of it with seemingly effortless poise and grace.  With only three seasons as a triathlete, Ashley is making quite a name for herself already and enjoys the process as much as she enjoys racing.  We hope you enjoy listening to Ashley's story as much as we did! If you are interested, here is a link to Jay's fundraiser for The ALS Association:Fundraising for The ALS Association NOTE:  We just wanted to let you know that Jillian's voice track had a bit of static in the recording, we did our best to reduce it to a minimum and hope it does not distract you too much from this great episode!Music from #Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough

We were so excited and honored to speak to the Captain of the Middle of the Pack, Andrew Harley.  If you have not heard The TriDot Triathlon Podcast, you are missing out on a ton of amazing information that can improve your training and racing.  Andrew is the host of the podcast and joins us for a conversation about his triathlon journey.   We had a lot of fun talking shop with Andrew and there are some special never before heard stories from Andrew that you will not want to miss!You can find The Tridot Triathlon Podcast anywhere you listen to The Triathlon Age Group Journey!  Music from #Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/dance-with-me 

This was a special conversation!  Brett Collins is an elite age grouper that is no stranger to the podium.  However, he has lessons that every triathlete has to hear regarding over training, under fueling, and simply put...  the dark side of the sport.   Hang on for this ride as you may need to confront yourself and ask, "Am I overtraining!?"Music from #Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/kaleidoscope/the-clock-ticks

All the triathlon journeys that we have shared are unique and this one is no different.  However, this may be the longest journey in both duration and mileage traveled to race.  Doug Morris has over 35 years of experience racing in all fifty states and would you believe nearly all seven continents!  His story is filled with wisdom and will leave you wandering through your own triathlon story wondering what it means to you!Link to Doug's Book, "Triing: A Journey of discovery, challenges, and camaraderie while racing in 50 States and the continents beyond."Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/kaleidoscope/the-clock-ticks