In this episode, Simon chats with long-time triathlete and inspiring age-grouper Liz Dunlop. With a triathlon career spanning over three decades, Liz shares how she maintains her motivation, copes with injuries, and balances lifestyle with performance. Now approaching her 70s, Liz continues to train, race, and inspire, proving that age is no barrier to athletic ambition.

We discuss:

A joyful, energetic, and honest conversation about what it takes to stay battle ready—well into your 60s and beyond.

Refreshingly, Liz doesn’t do social media which is probably how she manages to get so much training done!

She did however share a great book to read.

Till the dust settles -  by Pat Young. “A wickedly unnerving thriller”

Looking for more content from me?

Check out my Instagram  and YouTube  channels

Join the Unstuck Collective – for Beth’s weekly inspiration and coaching insights (not a chat group; replies welcome via DM).

Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle

Connect with Us:

Email: [email protected]

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter

💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to [email protected] — and you might just hear it on a future episode!

Want to Stay Battle Ready?

If you want to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient version of yourself, there are two ways to get started:

1-1 Coaching with Simon Ward – Get a personalised programme designed for your lifestyle and goals. Book a call today

You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

In this episode, I chat with Emma Stoney and Katie Gill — athletes, coaches, and the driving force behind Pretty Gritty, a Yorkshire-based community for female triathletes. We explore how they created a supportive space for women in sport, the unique challenges facing female athletes, and how they balance family, coaching, and business.

We discuss:

Resources & Links:

Follow Pretty Gritty on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube (For adventure videos, workouts, marathon training vlog.)

You can also join the community of over 6000 women. At their Facebook group PrettyGrittyWomen

Pretty Gritty have some amazing retreats coming up in September and October with availability. Find out more by visiting their website

As you know we ask all guests to recommend their favourite books:

From Katie - Ultra Processed People by Chris van Tulleken

From Emma - Shoe Dog, a Memoir by the Creator of NIKE by Phil Knight

Looking for more content from me?

Check out my Instagram  and YouTube  channels

Join the Unstuck Collective – for Beth’seekly inspiration and coaching insights (not a chat group; replies welcome via DM).

Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle

Connect with Us:

Email: [email protected]

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter

💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to [email protected] — and you might just hear it on a future episode!

Want to Stay Battle Ready?

If you want to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient version of yourself, there are two ways to get started:

1-1 Coaching with Simon Ward – Get a personalised programme designed for your lifestyle and goals. Book a call today

You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

We’re flipping the script! In this special episode of the High Performance Human Podcast, Simon hands over the reins to co-host (and wife) Beth, who takes her first turn in the host's chair — and puts Simon firmly in the hot seat.

With zero preparation and no idea what’s coming, Simon fields Beth’s awkward, cheeky, and insightful questions. They dive into:

Plus… a few surprises, some laughs, and the birth of a new regular feature — Beth’s Awkward Question of the Week.

Looking for more content from me?

Check out my Instagram  and YouTube  channels

Join the Unstuck Collective – for Beth’seekly inspiration and coaching insights (not a chat group; replies welcome via DM).

Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle

Connect with Us:

Email: [email protected]

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter

💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to [email protected] — and you might just hear it on a future episode!

Want to Stay Battle Ready?

If you want to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient version of yourself, there are two ways to get started:

1-1 Coaching with Simon Ward – Get a personalised programme designed for your lifestyle and goals. Book a call today

You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

This week I'm joined by swim coach and author Paul Eaglestone, whose new book Freespeed offers a simple but powerful approach to improving front crawl technique — especially for triathletes.

Paul shares insights from a lifetime in swimming, including his early coaching work with Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee, and why he believes most triathletes can find "free speed" in the water through better technique, not harder work.

From hydrodynamics and stroke mechanics to the role of kicking, turns, and even dryland training, this conversation is packed with practical advice for swimmers of all abilities — whether you're tackling your first sprint triathlon or chasing a Kona slot.

What You’ll Learn:

Grab the Book:

Freespeed by Paul Eaglestone – available now

Connect with Paul:

Find Paul on social media or Zwift. Reach out if you’ve read the book or want to challenge his ideas!

Facebook - Freespeed Swimming

Paul Eaglestone

Instagram - peagle1867

Freespeedswimming

Paul highly recommends the following book

The Talent Code - Daniel Coyle

Like What You Heard?

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Share it with someone you care about—and help spread the word about using FreeSpeed to swim faster

Useful Links:

Connect with Us:

Looking for more content from me?

Check out my Instagram  and YouTube  channels

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter

Want to Stay Battle Ready?

If you want to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient version of yourself, there are two ways to get started:

1-1 Coaching with Simon Ward – Get a personalised programme designed for your lifestyle and goals. Book a call today

You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

For any questions please email [email protected].

In this candid and deeply personal episode, Beth takes the lead to discuss a topic close to her heart—body image and the challenge of making sustainable changes to weight and body composition. Stepping away from racing and performance metrics, Simon and Beth reflect on the psychological, emotional, and practical aspects of health-focused weight management, particularly for those with a history of disordered eating.

Topics Discussed:

Key Quotes:

"You can love yourself and still want to change."

Resources & Links Mentioned:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Share it with someone you care about—and help spread a healthy, realistic message about body image and self-care.

Useful Links:

Connect with Us:

Looking for more content from me?

Check out my Instagram  and YouTube  channels

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter

Ready to Take Action?

If you want to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient version of yourself, there are two ways to get started:

1-1 Coaching with Simon Ward – Get a personalised programme designed for your lifestyle and goals. Book a call today

You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

For any questions please email [email protected].

One week after crossing the finish line at Ironman Austria, Beth returns to the podcast to share what the experience really felt like—after the adrenaline wore off. From analysing her performance to navigating recovery, she opens up about the emotional rollercoaster, the lessons she’s taking forward, and how her mindset continues to evolve.

Whether you’re planning your own big event or just curious about what happens after the finish line, this episode offers a thoughtful and honest debrief.

What You'll Learn:

Standout Quotes:

If you missed the race-day episode.. Catch up here

Useful Links:

Connect with Us:

Looking for more content from me?

Check out my Instagram  and YouTube  channels

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter

Ready to Take Action?

If you want to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient version of yourself, there are two ways to get started:

1-1 Coaching with Simon Ward – Get a personalised programme designed for your lifestyle and goals. Book a call today

You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

For any questions please email [email protected].

In this emotional and inspiring episode, Simon sits down with Beth to unpack her unforgettable day at Ironman Austria. From tranquil lake swims and smooth alpine roads to an intense race against the clock and searing heat, Beth shares the highs, lows, and mental battles of race day. This is more than a race recap—it's a story of resilience, mindset, and sheer determination.

What You’ll Hear:

Notable Quotes:

“It was so tempting to stop when I saw others quitting… but I thought, you’re always in the fight—until you’re not.”

“I honestly believe if it wasn’t for the two people I ran with, I wouldn’t have finished.”

“The aid station volunteers weren’t just handing out drinks—they looked you in the eye and asked, Are you OK? It meant the world.”

Useful Links:

Connect with Us:

Looking for more content from me?

Check out my Instagram  and YouTube  channels

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter

Some FREE Downloads for you

Click here fore the Race Day Execution Checklist

Click here to get your copy of 7 steps to swimming faster Infographic

To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE

To download your FREE infographic ‘6 key daily health metrics’, please click HERE 

Ready to Take Action?

If you want to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient version of yourself, there are two ways to get started:

1-1 Coaching with Simon Ward – Get a personalised programme designed for your lifestyle and goals. Book a call today

You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

For any questions please email [email protected].

In this episode, Simon chats with Martin Whitaker — a performance coach and PhD researcher specialising in blood flow restriction (BFR) training — about powerful tools for boosting performance, enhancing recovery, and staying fit for life.

Topics Discussed:

Quotes:

“VO₂ Max is a bit of a vanity number for athletes… but it’s also one of the strongest predictors of longevity.” — Martin Whitaker

Call to Action:

If this episode inspired or helped you, please:

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Martin

Website - https://onetakefitness.com/

Facebook - OneTakeFitness

Instagram: Personal - MartinWhitaker

                    Business - OneTakeFit

Looking for more content from me?

Check out my Instagram  and YouTube  channels

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Some FREE Downloads for you

Click here fore the Race Day Execution Checklist

Click here to get your copy of 7 steps to swimming faster Infographic

To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE

To download your FREE infographic ‘6 key daily health metrics’, please click HERE 

Ready to Take Action?

If you want to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient version of yourself, there are two ways to get started:

1-1 Coaching with Simon Ward – Get a personalised programme designed for your lifestyle and goals. Book a call today

You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

For any questions please email [email protected].

This week, I’m  joined by triple Olympian, world champion cyclist, PhD engineer—and now author—Emma Pooley. From humble beginnings as a cross-country runner to Olympic silver in the time trial, Emma shares her fascinating athletic journey, why she hated cycling at first, and how she learned to love descending.

They explore:

Whether you're an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, Emma’s insights on food, fitness, mindset, and longevity will leave you inspired and smiling.

Notable Quotes:

“The more I ate, the faster I was.”

Links & Resources:

Oat to Joy - You can also buy Emma’s book in the UK via the Alpkit stores

Find Emma on the following channels:

Website: (forever home for Oat To Joy): https://www.emmapooley.net/oat-to-joy/

Instagram: Oat To Joy instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oat_to_joy_recipes/?hl=en

Emma Pooley - https://www.instagram.com/pooleyemma/?hl=en

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/pooleyemma.bsky.social

If you are NOT in the UK then you can also get hold of Emma’s book’s here: USA, EU, Switzerland

Emma’s book recommendation:

Myths of Sport Performance  by Dr Amy Whitehead and Jenny Coe. Fascinating insights by experts. Busts some myths and makes advanced theory interesting and relatable.

These are links to some other cool stuff that Emma recommends, because sport can make a difference even in the big things:

Some FREE Downloads for you

Click here for the Race Day Execution Checklist

Click here to get your copy of 7 steps to swimming faster Infographic

To get a free copy of my personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE

To download your FREE infographic ‘6 key daily health metrics’, please click HERE 

Ready to Take Action?

If you want to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient version of yourself, there are two ways to get started:

1-1 Coaching with Simon Ward – Get a personalised programme designed for your lifestyle and goals. Book a call today

You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

Call to Action:

If this episode inspired or helped you, please:

Looking for more content?

Check out my Instagram and YouTube!

Instagram 

YouTube  

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

For any questions please email [email protected].

Beth is back! Just two weeks out from Ironman Austria, Simon and Beth chat through the highs and hurdles of her training journey. From emotional breakthroughs in the pool with swim coach Ray Gibbs to navigating the challenges of a new bike setup, nutrition plans, and a warm-up race at Outlaw Half—this episode is packed with insights for any triathlete prepping for race day.

Key Topics:

Memorable Quotes:

"Your times might not improve, but if you become more efficient, you’ll save matches for the bike and the run." – Ray Gibbs (via Beth)

“You’re not racing anybody else except the course and your own thoughts.” – Simon Ward

“The swim will always be my speed bump I need to get over to get onto the bike.” – Beth Ward

“Precision planning and preparation prevents p**s poor performance.” – Beth quoting her favourite sticker from PF&H

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Some FREE Downloads for you

Click here fore the Race Day Execution Checklist

Click here to get your copy of 7 steps to swimming faster Infographic

My personal daily mobility routine, please click HERE**

FREE infographic ‘6 key daily health metrics’, please click HERE 

Ready to Take Action?

If you want to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient version of yourself, there are two ways to get started:

1-1 Coaching with Simon Ward – Get a personalised programme designed for your lifestyle and goals. Book a call today

You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please visit her website at BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.

Call to Action:

If this episode inspired or helped you, please:

Looking for more content?

Check out my Instagram and YouTube!

Instagram 

YouTube  

Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter

Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter

For any questions please email [email protected].