Most defending champions spend the year before a world championship proving they belong there. Jelle Geens spent his proving he could wait. The Belgian three-time Olympian arrives in Nice chasing something no man has done, a third straight IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship title, after a season that fell apart almost immediately. A bone stress reaction in his femur not long after IRONMAN Texas cost him months of running and intensity, and forced a decision most athletes in his position wouldn't have made.

In this episode, Jelle explains that call with real candor, and gets into what IRONMAN Texas actually taught him about the full distance. It's a genuinely useful post-mortem from an athlete who felt in control right up until he wasn't. He also talks about treating Zell am See as a training day rather than a race, his preparation for the Nice course and its technical descent, the week in Andorra that told him the injury was finally behind him, and why he's perfectly happy not being the favorite.

Ask him what it takes to win in Nice and he doesn't hedge. The number he gives is faster than the run that won him the title last year, and he believes he has it in his legs. Tune in for a grounded conversation about patience, race-day decision making, and a champion who quietly thinks he's in the best shape of his life.

The IRONMAN Insider is presented by Maurten. Maurten’s patented Hydrogel Technology is the innovation that enables athletes to consume more carbohydrates and is available on course at all Global IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3 races. Find out more at maurten.com.

Most athletes chase breakthroughs with speed work and bigger numbers, but Grace Thek has built the best racing of her career by doing the opposite — running easy, staying patient, and refusing to break the chain. After years plagued by injury as a college runner turned professional triathlete, Grace spent 18 months doing nothing but consistent, unstructured running, no intensity at all, betting that durability would matter more than sharpness. That gamble has paid off: she now sits atop the Experience Oman IRONMAN Pro Series standings, has qualified for Kona, and is racing with a confidence built on years of accumulated consistency rather than any single perfect block.

In this episode, Grace opens up about her first trip to Lake Placid — a course she calls one of her favorites, from the climbing-friendly bike to the electric town atmosphere and the lonely, mentally brutal stretches out on River Road. She breaks down exactly where the race got away from her: holding 70.3 power for nearly the entire bike leg, then paying for it with a marathon that started too fast (a 3:41 opening kilometer against a 4:10 goal pace). It's an honest look at the learning curve of the full distance, and why she's found IRONMAN racing getsharder the more you do it, not easier — because with experience comes the temptation to push the envelope.

Grace also shares her long search for a bike that actually fits at 5 feet tall, and what it meant when Quintana Roo built an extra-small frame — not just for her, but for the market of athletes nobody was serving. She talks about being a physiotherapist as both a blessing and a curse, why she still sees an outside physio, her heat-prep protocol heading into Kona (40°C baths, layered trainer rides, and awkward conversations in public saunas), and the mindset shift that has her treating the Big Island like a first race all over again: finish it, execute it, and enjoy competing. Whether you're an age grouper managing recurring niggles or a pro chasing series points, Grace's approach to consistency, durability, and racing your own race offers lessons that outlast any single season. Tune in for candid stories, hard-won wisdom, and a refreshingly grounded perspective from the current Pro Series leader.

Belgian Marten Van Riel spent nearly a decade dominating Olympic-distance racing before deciding to find out how that speed translates to the IRONMAN. At the 2026 Athletic Brewing IRONMAN Lake Placid he answered the question with a course record in his first full-distance win. But the story behind that result isn't a straight line. It's crashes, missed slots, a winter that broke him down mentally, and the realization that chasing perfection was costing him the thing that made him great in the first place. In this episode, Marten breaks down Placid from the inside and delves into the numbers everyone's talking about — 303 watts at 68 kilos with an average heart rate in the 120s, then a 2:34 marathon at 129 — and Marten's own honest admission that he doesn't fully understand his engine either.

Beyond the racing, this one goes deeper. Marten opens up about the offseason that forced him to race less this year, why never stopping caught up with him, and how being transparent about the mental side of the sport resonates with age-groupers grinding through the same challenges. Tune in for the numbers, the honesty, and a look at an athlete arriving at exactly the right moment.

The IRONMAN Insider is presented by Maurten. Maurten’s patented Hydrogel Technology is the innovation that enables athletes to consume more carbohydrates and is available on course at all Global IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3 races. Find out more at maurten.com.

Most athletes stumble into the "long game" of triathlon, but Paula Findlay reveals how her two-decade journey in the sport has evolved into a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and self-awareness. After battling injuries, mental hurdles, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, she shares how her approach to racing—and her life—has shifted from seeking wins to embracing growth, balance, and longevity. Her story is a powerful reminder that the true victory in triathlon is understanding yourself enough to keep going, even when the race gets tough.In this episode, Paula opens up about her recent injuries—glute tears, knee issues, and the wisdom she's gained from managing setbacks—highlighting her shift towards a smarter, more sustainable training mindset. You'll discover how her focus on consistent running, strategic race selection, and mental fortitude has kept her competitive for over 20 years. We break down her experience training for her first Ironman at Lake Placid, what makes the Placid course unique, and the importance of problem-solving and adaptability on race day. 

Paula also shares her thoughts on the increasing caliber of female competition, the myths about the "fittest" athlete winning, and why mental resilience often trumps raw speed in the sport’s most grueling moments. She discusses her motivation for tackling Ironman distances despite a busy life—balancing family, podcasting, and sponsorships—and how her broader perspective helps her keep the fire alive. Whether you're an aspiring pro or a seasoned athlete, Paula’s insights into longevity, recovery, and mental toughness offer invaluable lessons for navigating the sport’s demands without sacrificing your love for the race.This candid conversation provides a behind-the-scenes look at an athlete who continuously redefines what it means to compete at the highest level—proof that success isn’t just about results, but about resilience and evolving with the sport. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of sustainable training, mental resilience, and staying motivated through the years. Tune in for honest stories, practical wisdom, and a true champion’s perspective.

In this episode of the IRONMAN Insider Podcast, host Matt Lieto sits down with pro triathlete Fenella Langridge for an open and honest conversation about resilience, setbacks, and rediscovering her love for the sport. Fenella shares the challenges of the past couple of seasons, including a long period of unexplained fatigue that ultimately led to a diagnosis and major surgery, and how that experience affected both her performance and mindset.

Now one year removed from surgery, she reflects on the process of rebuilding consistency and confidence. Training in Mallorca, Fenella discusses how returning to a focused environment has helped her regain form, hit some of her best sessions, and start feeling like herself again—especially after overcoming lingering doubts following a bike crash.

The conversation also explores the realities of professional triathlon beyond the highlights, including the mental and emotional demands of the sport, the importance of adapting to setbacks, and why enjoying the process is key to long-term success. Known for her expressive and instinctive racing style, Fenella emphasizes the role of energy, emotion, and authenticity in how she competes. Looking ahead, she shares her goals for the season, including upcoming races like IRONMAN Hamburg and her ambition to return to Kona at her best. This episode offers a candid look at the highs and lows of elite sport, and what it takes to keep pushing forward.

The IRONMAN Insider is presented by Maurten. Maurten’s patented Hydrogel Technology is the innovation that enables athletes to consume more carbohydrates and is available on course at all Global IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3 races. Find out more at maurten.com.

In this episode of the IRONMAN Insider Podcast presented by Maurten, host Matt Lieto sits down with Jonas Schomburg, one of the most aggressive and exciting athletes in long-course triathlon right now. Fresh off a strong performance at the Athletic Brewing IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, Jonas shares how he’s quickly established himself as a force in the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 distances.

Jonas dives into his transition from over a decade of short-course racing, including two Olympic appearances, into the world of IRONMAN. He explains how his background has shaped his racing style, why he thrives on putting pressure on the field early, and how he’s continuing to refine his pacing as he builds into his second full season of long-course racing.

The conversation also breaks down his Oceanside race in detail, from riding off the front to working with Sam Long on the run. Looking ahead, Jonas shares his mindset heading into Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas, where one of the deepest fields ever assembled will test his bold, front-foot racing strategy. Driven, tactical, and reflective, Jonas is an athlete who isn’t just racing the sport—he’s actively reshaping it.

The IRONMAN Insider is presented by Maurten. Maurten’s patented Hydrogel Technology is the innovation that enables athletes to consume more carbohydrates and is available on course at all Global IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3 races. Find out more at maurten.com.

In this episode of the IRONMAN Insider Podcast presented by Maurten, host Matt Lieto sits down with Austrian standout Lisa Perterer, a three-time Olympian who has taken the long-course triathlon world by storm. Fresh off an incredible breakout season, Lisa shares how a spontaneous decision to race her first IRONMAN with just three weeks of preparation sparked a rapid rise to the top of the sport.
The conversation explores her transition from short-course racing to IRONMAN, including the mental shift from pack dynamics to racing solo for hours at a time. Lisa reflects on her standout performances across a demanding 2025 season—racing five IRONMAN events in a year—highlighted by podium finishes, a win in Cozumel, and an impressive top-five finish at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.

She also opens up about her Olympic journey, the disappointment of missed opportunities due to injury, and how those experiences shaped her mindset today. With a focus on staying positive, racing with joy, and embracing the unknown, Lisa offers a refreshing and insightful perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest level of endurance sport.

Focused, reflective, and insightful, this episode gives listeners a deep look into the mindset of an elite athlete reinventing her career and thriving in a new arena.

The IRONMAN Insider is presented by Maurten. Maurten’s patented Hydrogel Technology is the innovation that enables athletes to consume more carbohydrates and is available on course at all Global IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3 races. Find out more at maurten.com.

In this episode of the IRONMAN Insider Podcast, host Matt Lieto sits down with rising star Trevor Foley, fresh off his victory at the ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand. Trevor shares the story behind his last-minute decision to race, booking his flight less than three weeks before the start—and how it turned into one of the biggest wins of his career.

The conversation dives into Trevor’s race in Taupō, from a breakthrough swim and tactical bike ride to a controlled marathon that secured the win and a Kona qualification. He also reflects on the lessons he’s learned early in his pro career, balancing aggressive racing with smarter pacing, and how he’s approaching the season ahead as he builds toward the IRONMAN World Championship.

Honest, energetic, and full of insight, this episode offers a great look inside the mindset of one of the fastest-rising athletes in long-course triathlon. 

The IRONMAN Insider is presented by Maurten. Maurten’s patented Hydrogel Technology is the innovation that enables athletes to consume more carbohydrates and is available on course at all Global IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3 races.” Find out more at maurten.com.  

In this episode of the IRONMAN Insider Podcast presented by Maurten, host Matt Lieto sits down with New Zealand’s own Kyle Smith just days before he toes the hometown line at the first race of the 2026 IRONMAN Pro Series: ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand in Taupō.

Known for his aggressive, leave-it-all-out-there racing style, Kyle dives deep into what it takes to survive and thrive in the upper echelons of professional triathlon. From laying bricks to keep his athletic dreams alive during the global shutdown to being taken under the wing of the legendary Jan Frodeno, Kyle’s blue-collar work ethic has forged him into one of the sport's most exciting athletes to watch. Whether you're preparing to toe the line yourself or just love an inspiring example of pure grit and determination, you won't want to miss this one.

In this episode of the IRONMAN Insider Podcast, host Matt Lieto sits down with two-time IRONMAN champion Hannah Berry, one of the sport’s most consistent and quietly respected competitors. Hannah reflects on her fourth-place finish at the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, a performance that showcased her strength, patience, and ability to execute on triathlon’s biggest stage.

She breaks down her Kona race in detail, sharing how smart pacing, disciplined nutrition, and heat management helped her move steadily through the field as others faltered. Hannah also discusses racing as an underdog, the value of consistency across all three disciplines, and why Kona rewards athletes who stay composed when conditions turn brutal.

The conversation looks ahead to racing IRONMAN New Zealand on home soil, the evolving dynamics of elite women’s racing, and adapting to the new 20-meter drafting rules. Insightful, grounded, and refreshingly honest, this episode offers a compelling look at an athlete whose best racing emerges when the race gets hardest.