Couch to 70.3: Launching the Search for the World’s Most Unlikely Athlete

Offshore Medic to Ironman 70.3: Beating the Odds and the Excuses with Christine Grosart

In this episode, Rob and Matt sit down with the incredible Christine Grosart for a completely unfiltered conversation about reinvention, grit, and endurance. Christine’s path to triathlon is anything but conventional. Going from a horse obsessed kid to a Cave Diver, Paramedic, and Offshore Medic, she eventually found herself battling severe weight gain due to the grueling, unhealthy realities of offshore rig life. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ditch the Excuses: Whether you're working 14-hour shifts offshore or dealing with terrible facilities, there is always a way to train if you prioritize it. As Christine puts it: "I work to live, I do not live to work." If your job is destroying your health, change it. Turn Your Brain Off: When motivation wanes, imposter syndrome creeps in at the pool, or the workout looks too intimidating, the best strategy is to stop overthinking. Silence the "yeah, buts" and just execute the plan. Find the Right Coach: Having a mentor who holds you accountable, understands your lifestyle, and doesn't tolerate complaining can be the exact catalyst needed for a massive personal transformation. Age and Starting Points Are Just Numbers: Starting a grueling sport like triathlon in your mid-40s after being significantly overweight is entirely possible. It doesn't require innate talent; it requires consistency and a stubborn refusal to give up. Stop Comparing Yourself: Focus on your own baseline. Dreaming of elite levels when you are just starting can be discouraging. Aim to be better than you were yesterday, and don't worry if you're the slowest one up the hill. BEST MOMENTS "I am no exceptional athlete... I'm just someone who doesn't give up." "I work to live, I do not live to work. And that's the important thing. If your lifestyle, if your job is stopping you from doing the things you want to do, change your job and your lifestyle." "If you weren't hard enough, you shouldn't have come." "I'd look in the mirror and wouldn't recognize myself. And when I did look in the mirror, I'd be like, 'that's not me.'" "Just turn your brain off... stop thinking, stop worrying, stop saying 'yeah, but this', 'yeah, but that'. Just turn your brain off." HOW TO CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE: https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/ironwoman [https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/ironwoman] https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/the-overpriced-brick-session [https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/the-overpriced-brick-session] https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/lovely-loire [https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/lovely-loire] https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/allez-allez [https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/allez-allez] https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/dare-to-tri [https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/dare-to-tri] https://www.youtube.com/@cgrosart [https://www.youtube.com/@cgrosart] USEFUL LINKS: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fearless-Adventures-Extraordinary-Louise-Minchin/dp/1399401181 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fearless-Adventures-Extraordinary-Louise-Minchin/dp/1399401181%20] Matt Davies Matt is a high-performance endurance and executive coach who helps ambitious business professionals train smarter, perform better, and rediscover what they’re truly capable of — whether that’s crossing an IRONMAN finish line, reclaiming their health, or simply proving mid-life doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Mixing a 20-year career in senior finance leadership alongside years of endurance coaching and racing experience (from “fat banker” to Ironman — his words, not ours), Matt specialises in premium, highly personalised coaching that delivers exceptional value, blending world-class training, accountability, and mindset coaching for people ready to make meaningful, lasting change — with just enough humour along the way to remind everyone that Lycra is still never entirely flattering.* Instagram- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies [https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies] ⁠⁠Linkedin - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/]⁠⁠⁠⁠ Rob Hardstone Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322] ⁠⁠Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone [http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone] ⁠⁠TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]

Zero to 50km Ultra: Janine East’s 9-Month Miracle

Today, Rob & Matt are joined by Janine East, a "classic South African" whose inspiring journey proves that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. In just nine months, Janine went from never having run before to taking on a 50km ultra run. We explore the pure joy of her very first 2km run , the mental health benefits of trading bad spaces for outdoor training , and why you might want to turn off Strava to avoid the pressure of the platform. We also touch on the immense value of joining local clubs for guidance and support. Tune in to hear how Janine's new healthy lifestyle is even inspiring her daughter's friends! KEY TAKEAWAYS Start Small to Feel Amazing: Janine's very first run was only 2 kilometers , but it left her returning home with a massive smile on her face. Rapid Progression is Possible: In a span of just nine months , Janine transitioned from an absolute beginner who had never run before to completing an ultra 50km run. Don't Let Apps Ruin the Run: Platforms like Strava can become an athlete's worst enemy if you obsess over times and stats. Going "dark" on Strava can sometimes relieve uncomfortable pressure. Running is a Cure for Bad Mental Spaces: Getting outside and doing some running is highly recommended as an effective cure for a bad mental space. The Importance of Community Support: Joining running, swimming, or triathlon clubs provides massive support groups and access to good advice for beginners, such as recommendations on the right trainers to wear. QUOTES "There is no better cure for your bad mental space than getting outside and doing some running." "In nine months. Janine has gone to never run before... do an ultra of 50km run with, I'm assuming the very basics of coaching." "Forget all that shit, get out and run on the road!" "Even the super athletes, they all started somewhere and they know the journey and they're excited for you..." USEFUL LINKS Runspire: https://www.runspire.uk Janine East Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janine.east.37 Coach To Finish Line Application: ⁠⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header]https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header%E2%81%A0] Matt Davies Matt is a high-performance endurance and executive coach who helps ambitious business professionals train smarter, perform better, and rediscover what they’re truly capable of — whether that’s crossing an IRONMAN finish line, reclaiming their health, or simply proving mid-life doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Mixing a 20-year career in senior finance leadership alongside years of endurance coaching and racing experience (from “fat banker” to Ironman — his words, not ours), Matt specialises in premium, highly personalised coaching that delivers exceptional value, blending world-class training, accountability, and mindset coaching for people ready to make meaningful, lasting change — with just enough humour along the way to remind everyone that Lycra is still never entirely flattering.*Instagram- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies/]Linkedin - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/]⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322] Rob Hardstone Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322] ⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322]Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone ⁠⁠TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/]

Deep Diving into Everything Swimming! Defogging Goggles, Buying the RIGHT Westsuit and Funny Stories!

In this episode, Rob and Matt dive deep into the most feared and misunderstood discipline of triathlon: the swim. Based on listener data and coaching experience, swimming—specifically in open water—consistently generates the most questions and anxiety for first-time athletes. The duo shares brutal and hilarious "war stories," from losing expensive dental work mid-race to seeing world-class athletes wearing their gear backward. More importantly, they provide professional hacks for gear maintenance and mindset shifts that can turn a terrifying open-water experience into a major advantage on race day. Key Takeaways * Respect, Not Fear: While the swim only accounts for a small portion of your race time, it is the only discipline where a lack of preparation can lead to a DNF before the day really starts. * The "Iron Tooth" Lesson: Acknowledging open-water anxiety early and finding a solution (like hypnotherapy) can prevent an incident, like taking an elbow to the face, from becoming a full-blown panic attack. * Don't Over-Spend on Speed: High-end, thin wetsuits designed for pros often lack the buoyancy a beginner needs. Middle-to-lower-range suits provide more "lift" in the water, making them more efficient for less experienced swimmers. * A Professional Diver’s Secret: Forget expensive anti-fog sprays. Use a single drop of "no tears" baby shampoo on dry goggles, rinse them in the race water, and you will have fog-free vision for the entire swim. * Timestamps * [00:00] Introduction: Matt Davis returns as permanent co-host for "Round 2". * [03:45] The Fear Factor: Why the swim is the #1 source of anxiety for unlikely triathletes. * [08:12] Respect vs. Fear: Discussing the importance of being "competent, confident, and safe". * [12:30] Brutal Truths: The reality of rough ocean starts and the need for open-water tuition. * [18:45] The "Iron Tooth" Story: Matt's hilarious and expensive story of losing a $3,000 dental implant at the first buoy. * [24:20] Wetsuit Selection: Why a more buoyant (and often cheaper) suit is better for non-natural swimmers. * [27:55] Gear Blunders: Seeing a World Championship qualifier wearing his wetsuit backward. * [33:10] The Fitting Demo: How many experienced athletes still don't know how to put a wetsuit on correctly. * [38:25] The Professional Diving Secret: Rob reveals the baby shampoo trick for "steamy windows" (foggy goggles). * [42:50] Final Wisdom: JFK’s "we choose to go to the moon" applied to triathlon challenges. Coach To Finish Line Application: ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header] Matt Bio & Links * Matt is a high-performance endurance and executive coach who helps ambitious business professionals train smarter, perform better, and rediscover what they’re truly capable of — whether that’s crossing an IRONMAN finish line, reclaiming their health, or simply proving mid-life doesn’t have to mean slowing down.  Mixing a 20-year career in senior finance leadership alongside years of endurance coaching and racing experience (from “fat banker” to Ironman — his words, not ours), Matt specialises in premium, highly personalised coaching that delivers exceptional value, blending world-class training, accountability, and mindset coaching for people ready to make meaningful, lasting change — with just enough humour along the way to remind everyone that Lycra is still never entirely flattering.* Instagram- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies/] Linkedin - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/] * Social Links ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322] ⁠ [%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone⁠ [%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone] Rob BIO Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/]

Couch to 70.3: Launching the Search for the World’s Most Unlikely Athlete

In this milestone episode, Rob welcomes Matt Davies back to the show—this time as a permanent co-host. Matt shares his transformation from a "fat banker" to a full-time endurance coach, explaining how finishing his first Ironman acted as a "cheat code" that gave him the confidence to leave the corporate world and start his own business. The duo discusses the rebranding of the podcast to reach a broader audience of "unlikely athletes" and announces an ambitious new project to coach a complete beginner from the couch to a 70.3 Ironman finish live on the show. Key Takeaways: The Cheat Code Mentality: Finishing a monumental physical challenge unlocks a mental realization that "anything is possible" in other areas of life, such as business and career shifts. The Value of Coaching: A coach isn't just for elites; they provide beginners with accountability, life coaching, and technical guidance that saves time and money by avoiding common pitfalls. Rebranding the Journey: The show is evolving from The Unlikely Triathlete to The Unlikely Athlete to encompass ultra-runners, mountain climbers, and anyone pushing outside their comfort zone. The 12-Month Live Challenge: Rob and Matt are looking for one "unlikely athlete" to sponsor and coach for free, documenting their entire 12-month journey from start to finish line. Timestamps: [00:01:02] Matt’s origin story: Transitioning from banking to Ironman in six months. [00:03:02] Unlocking the "cheat code": How endurance sports change your professional mindset. [00:07:34] Leading from the front: Why coaching is built on shared experience. [00:13:00] Gear misconceptions: Starting with "rusty old nails" instead of $12,000 bikes. [00:16:30] Coaching as life coaching: Beyond the technical training plan. [00:30:11] Rob’s pivot: Moving from triathlon toward the Badwater 135 and ultra-trail running. [00:33:45] The Big Announcement: Searching for a candidate for the couch-to-70.3 live challenge. Coach To Finish Line Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header] Matt Bio & Links Matt is a high-performance endurance and executive coach who helps ambitious business professionals train smarter, perform better, and rediscover what they’re truly capable of — whether that’s crossing an IRONMAN finish line, reclaiming their health, or simply proving mid-life doesn’t have to mean slowing down.  Mixing a 20-year career in senior finance leadership alongside years of endurance coaching and racing experience (from “fat banker” to Ironman — his words, not ours), Matt specialises in premium, highly personalised coaching that delivers exceptional value, blending world-class training, accountability, and mindset coaching for people ready to make meaningful, lasting change — with just enough humour along the way to remind everyone that Lycra is still never entirely flattering.* Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies/ [https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies/] Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/] Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322] http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone [http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone] https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone [https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone] Rob BIO Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/]

From "Never Sporty" to Hyrox: Michaela and Celeste on the Power of the "Just Start" Mindset! Road to Triathlon

Hey there sports lovers, on todays episode of The Unlikely Triathlete Rob hosts a "family affair" featuring his oldest daughter, Michaela Hardstone, and her best friend and fellow chiropractic student, Celeste. Moving away from the world of elite age-groupers, this conversation focuses on the "everyday athlete"—two busy university students in Durban, South Africa, who decided to trade their textbooks for trainers. From the traumatic "fainting goat" moments of learning to ride with cleats to overcoming severe gym anxiety and missed race starts, Michaela and Celeste offer a raw, hilarious, and deeply relatable look at what it’s like to be a beginner. They discuss their journey through the Thomas More Long Walk, their transition into CrossFit, and their recent "disaster-turned-victory" at Hyrox. This episode is a call to action for anyone who feels "un-sporty" or intimidated by the fitness world. Key Takeaways * The Power of Resilience: Michaela discusses failing her first 80km walk attempt at age 16 and how returning the following year to finish it built her mental foundation for endurance sports. * Overcoming "Gym-timidation": Celeste shares a vulnerable story about crying in her car before her first CrossFit class, proving that even those who look fit struggle with the mental barrier of starting. * The "Fainting Goat" Phenomenon: A hilarious cautionary tale about the learning curve of cycling cleats and why falling over is just a rite of passage for every new triathlete. * Embracing the Chaos: The duo recounts their Hyrox experience—missing their start time and battling severe cramps—emphasizing that finishing a race is about problem-solving, not perfection. * Fitness for Mental Health: How movement serves as a vital escape from the high-pressure environment of medical studies (Chiropractic) and helps manage stress. Timestamps * [00:01:30] Meet Michaela and Celeste: Balancing Chiropractic studies with a new passion for fitness. * [00:04:55] The Thomas More Long Walk: A 16-year-old’s 80km battle with failure and redemption. * [00:07:10] Celeste’s Raw Moment: Dealing with the anxiety of entering a CrossFit box for the first time. * [00:13:30] Hyrox Johannesburg: Missing the start gate and running out of nutrition mid-race. * [00:16:45] The 12-Minute Cramp: How the girls managed a physical breakdown to keep moving. * [00:20:45] The "Fainting Goat" Story: Celeste’s first ride with cleats and a stationary car incident. * [00:32:15] Training in Durban: The logistics of sea swimming and road cycling in South Africa. * [00:41:10] Looking Forward: Goals for future 70.3 races and overcoming the fear of the open water. Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone Call booking link: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/sJX8bHdoj3P7cBoffJFC Green Mamba Tri Coaching Community Link: https://community.greenmamba-tri.com/communities/groups/greenmamba-tri-community