From Couch to Red Carpet: The Brutal Truth of Training for Your First Triathlon

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

From Couch to Red Carpet: The Brutal Truth of Training for Your First Triathlon

Hey there sports lovers, In this emotional and inspirational episode, Rob Hardstone sits down with his sister, Brenda, to discuss her successful completion of an Ironman 70.3 in Busselton. Brendar’s journey is the definition of "unlikely," having trained for a year while managing diabetes, a thyroid condition, and recovering from the surgical removal of her gallbladder just six weeks before the race. The conversation dives deep into the raw reality of race day, from the 3:30 AM nutrition routine to the psychological battle against "survival mode" and pre-race physical pains. Brenda shares the brutal truth about conquering an ocean swim despite nausea and the surreal experience of "floating" down the red carpet at the finish line. Key Takeaways The "Survival Brain": Rob and Brenda discuss how the brain is wired for survival, often heightening physical aches and pains in the week before a race to discourage high energy expenditure. Nutrition as the "Fourth Discipline": The importance of mastering a nutrition plan cannot be overstated. Brenda shares how she overcame her fear of eating while cycling to successfully take in 80-90% of her planned nutrients on the bike. Training for the Unexpected: From dealing with the groundswell in the ocean to making "rookie mistakes" during the transition, Brenda emphasises how a year of consistent coaching and preparation allows an athlete to adapt in the moment. The "Tri-High": The episode captures the powerful, long-lasting emotional high of finishing an ultra-event, a feeling that Rob describes as lasting for two to three weeks and making one feel "invincible". Inspiration from the Field: Brenda recalls that her original inspiration didn't come from seeing "racing snake" athletes, but from seeing "unlikely" people—overweight individuals and those with disabilities—conquering the course. 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 HOST 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/]