The Total Tri Coaching Podcast

The Mid Season break: why you need one... and why you might not!

After months of consistent training, racing, and chasing fitness gains, the idea of taking a break can feel completely counterintuitive. Yet for many triathletes, a well-timed mid-season break is one of the most important parts of a successful year. In this episode, Grant and Phil discuss why athletes should consider stepping away from structured training for 7–10 days after an early-season A race, how to manage the fear of losing fitness, and why a short reduction in training can actually set you up for bigger performances later in the season. They explore the physical and mental benefits of recovery, why TrainingPeaks metrics don't tell the whole story, and how the best athletes use a strategic reset to prepare for their next build. The conversation also looks ahead to what comes next, including reintroducing intensity, sharpening aerobic fitness, and transitioning back into the threshold and durability work that underpins successful 70.3 and Ironman racing. In this episode: * Why mid-season breaks are essential for long-term progress * The difference between losing fitness and losing fatigue * Common fears athletes have about taking time off * Mental recovery and avoiding burnout * How to return to training after a break * Building towards late-season 70.3 and Ironman goals A short break now could be the key to racing stronger later.

"Real Mental Strength - Turning Trauma in to Ironman Success"

Resilience. Mental Strength. Performance Under Pressure.   In this episode of the Total Tri Training Podcast, we sit down with Chris Recchia—former British Army officer, senior business leader, and Team GB age-group triathlete—to explore what resilience and mental strength really mean.   Drawing on experiences from military conflict, leadership, business, and Ironman racing, Chris shares powerful lessons on managing fear, developing discipline, overcoming setbacks, and performing when the pressure is on.   We discuss: * The difference between resilience and mental strength * Why motivation is unreliable and discipline matters more * Managing the internal voice during training and racing * Reframing fear and race-day nerves * Leadership, composure, and decision-making under pressure * Learning from failure and adversity * Building confidence through preparation * Practical mindset strategies for endurance athletes   Whether you're preparing for your first sprint triathlon, an Ironman, or simply looking to become more resilient in life and sport, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories.   Key takeaway: Resilience is what you do. Mental strength is how you think.

Ultimate Race Guide: Ironman Bolton 70.3

In this week’s episode, coaches Katie and Kirsty are joined by guest Chris Recchia, for a detailed guide to Ironman 70.3 Bolton. Together, they break down the course, share practical race-day strategies, and offer expert advice on pacing, preparation, and handling the unique challenges of the event. Whether you’re racing for a PB or simply aiming to have your best day out, this episode is packed with tips to help you get the most from your Ironman 70.3 Bolton experience.

What Is Durability in Triathlon — And Why It Decides Race Outcomes

What is durability in triathlon — and why does it decide race outcomes?   In this episode of the Total Tri Coaching Podcast, we unpack one of the most important — and misunderstood — performance concepts in endurance sport: durability.   We explore why some athletes are extremely fit but fail to perform when fatigue accumulates, how durability differs from VO₂ max and threshold fitness, and why long-course racing rewards athletes who can preserve performance late into an event.   We also break down how to train durability across the swim, bike and run, including the role of strength training in improving posture, mechanics, force production and resilience under fatigue.   If you’ve ever wondered why strong training numbers don’t always translate into race-day results, this episode explains why.   Fitness gets you to the start line. Durability determines whether you can still use that fitness when the race really begins.

The Power of Mindset

Race day isn’t just physical — it’s mental. In this episode of the Total Tri Training Podcast, we dive into the power of mindset in endurance sport and how your thoughts, preparation, and self-belief can directly influence performance.   We explore: * Managing pre-race nerves * Building confidence through training * Why skill development improves mindset * Race-day execution strategies * Evidence-based insights from performance experts such as Steve Magness   This episode breaks down why true confidence doesn’t come from motivation alone — it comes from preparation, experience, and knowing you’ve done the work. Whether you’re preparing for your first triathlon or chasing a personal best, this episode will help you develop a stronger, more resilient race-day mindset.