Open Water Season Starts Now: How Triathletes Should Prepare

"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.

Ultimate Race Guide: Ironman Mallorca 70.3

Our limited series of Ultimate Triathlon Race Guides, with Show hosts Kirsty Walker and Katy Armitage along with special guests, takes things over to the Balearic Island of Mallorca for the Ironman 70.3 at Alcudia   A firm team favourite race for Total Tri Training, and we have Senior Coach Adam Memrey joining the show to give his expert input on the course, following a top 10 in his age group at this race last year, which is Europe’s Biggest 70.3 event   Whether seasoned Age grouper or first time Finished the Total Tri Crew delivery a great show covering: •            Course profile especially the big climb and technical decent from Lluc •            Nutrition •            The Swim start and swimming in the ocean •            Pacing and managing the heat   3 of Total Tri’s key Coaches offering in depth profiling of the Ironman 70.3 Mallorca Race day – what better way to be race ready for the 2026 edition