Simply Triathlon with Dina & Chris

By Dina Grimaldi & Chris Kopcha

Welcome to the Simply Triathlon Podcast and thanks so much for listening!

We're Dina & Chris, a couple of age group triathletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts. Our goal is to share ou

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How many episodes does Simply Triathlon with Dina & Chris have?

The podcast currently has 103 episodes available.

Simply Triathlon with Dina & Chris episodes:

May 01, 2026 Marathon Times Under Two Hours, Big Race Goals, Cat Appearances, and More!
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In this episode largely featuring Chris's cat, we chat about several random topics including:
-The new world record and sub 2-hour marathon at the London Marathon
-A women's only world record and what that means
-Chris's track coaching and the struggles to pick and dedicate to ONE activity as a kid
-Dina's big race goal for the year
-And more!
Questions for us related to triathlon, fitness, nutrition, anything? Topics you'd like us to cover on the podcast? Please send us a message anytime, and feel free to give us a follow!
Podcast Email: [email protected]
Podcast Instagram: @simplytriathlonpodcast
Dina's Instagram: @dinathlon
Chris's Instagram: @coachchriskopcha
...more
38min
April 22, 2026 The Meaning of Consistency: Persistence, Not Perfection
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Today, we talk about consistency vs perfection, and how the two can often be conflated, especially among athletes. We chat about how, actually, part of consistency IS falling off track, and persistence despite inevitable adversity is much more important and realistic than perfection.
We also chat about some recent racing including the Boston Marathon, recap Chris's annual Disney vacation, and give a quick update regarding the new rules for triathletes to obtain their pro card.
Questions for us related to triathlon, fitness, nutrition, anything? Topics you'd like us to cover on the podcast? Please send us a message anytime, and feel free to give us a follow!
Podcast Email: [email protected]
Podcast Instagram: @simplytriathlonpodcast
Dina's Instagram: @dinathlon
Chris's Instagram: @coachchriskopcha
...more
50min
April 06, 2026 Age Group Athletes Beating Professionals, Sponsors Dropping Pregnant Athletes, Swim Meets, and More!
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In this episode, we discuss a recent article centered on a large number of age-group triathletes finishing Ironman 70.3 Oceanside faster than professionals. We chat about the backlash from these pros, why it isn't a fair comparison, and how the criteria to obtain a pro card might be changing.
We also chat about professional runner Emma Bates' claim that her sponsor UCAN dropped her due to her pregnancy, Dina's recent swim meet, and more!
Questions for us related to triathlon, fitness, nutrition, anything? Topics you'd like us to cover on the podcast? Please send us a message anytime, and feel free to give us a follow!
Podcast Email: [email protected]
Podcast Instagram: @simplytriathlonpodcast
Dina's Instagram: @dinathlon
Chris's Instagram: @coachchriskopcha
...more
44min
March 23, 2026 Is AI Stealing Our Jobs as Triathlon Coaches?!
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In this episode, we discuss AI in triathlon training.
Yes, like in many other aspects of life, AI is writing training plans.
What do we think about them? What are they lacking that human coaches can still provide? Why might athletes still choose to hire a coach over using these services?
Anyone out there use or have used AI for a training plan? We'd love to know what you think about it, positive or negative! Shoot one of us a message on Instagram and let us know!
Questions for us related to triathlon, fitness, nutrition, anything? Topics you'd like us to cover on the podcast? Please send us a message anytime, and feel free to give us a follow!
Podcast Email: [email protected]
Podcast Instagram: @simplytriathlonpodcast
Dina's Instagram: @dinathlon
Chris's Instagram: @coachchriskopcha
...more
50min
March 16, 2026 Growth as an Athlete: Staying Open to Learning and Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
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In this episode, we talk about growth as an athlete.
Often, we want to figure everything out and have all the answers, whereas the reality is that there is no ceiling on growth and we can always strive to learn more and make progress. We talk about how this presents specifically for athletes, getting out of our comfort zones, and the power of consistency and habits!
Questions for us related to triathlon, fitness, nutrition, anything? Topics you'd like us to cover on the podcast? Please send us a message anytime, and feel free to give us a follow!
Podcast Email: [email protected]
Podcast Instagram: @simplytriathlonpodcast
Dina's Instagram: @dinathlon
Chris's Instagram: @coachchriskopcha
...more
43min
March 09, 2026 Marathon Runners Are Offered Finisher Medals at Mile 18?!
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In this episode, we talk about the recent LA marathon, for which runners were offered the option to end their race early at mile 18...and still get a finisher's medal?
We give our thoughts on how we feel about this. We also discuss the USATF half marathon championship drama in which the lead runners were led off course by the official course vehicle, as well as the first Ironman Pro Series race of the year in New Zealand!
Questions for us related to triathlon, fitness, nutrition, anything? Topics you'd like us to cover on the podcast? Please send us a message anytime, and feel free to give us a follow!
Podcast Email: [email protected]
Podcast Instagram: @simplytriathlonpodcast
Dina's Instagram: @dinathlon
Chris's Instagram: @coachchriskopcha
...more
40min
March 02, 2026 Remembering Jeff Galloway and the Benefits of His Run-Walk-Run Method
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In this episode, we give a tribute to Jeff Galloway, who passed away recently. He brought great popularity to his Run-Walk-Run method, helping runners use a run/walk interval technique to make running more accessible and enjoyable, and to minimize fatigue and lessen recovery times. His work and contribution to the running community has undoubtedly changed hundreds of thousands of lives, and he will certainly be remembered!
We also go over Ironman's recent updates to several of their rules, including the new bike draft zone and clearing up some confusion around that, zippers on tri suits, aero bars, and more.
Questions for us related to triathlon, fitness, nutrition, anything? Topics you'd like us to cover on the podcast? Please send us a message anytime, and feel free to give us a follow!
Podcast Email: [email protected]
Podcast Instagram: @simplytriathlonpodcast
Dina's Instagram: @dinathlon
Chris's Instagram: @coachchriskopcha
...more
44min
February 23, 2026 Three Pieces of Gear We Highly Recommend Getting Before You Do Your First Triathlon
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In this episode, we discuss three very specific pieces of gear we recommend athletes invest in prior to completing their first triathlon.
Check out the episode to hear what they are! (Hint - not ALL of them are gear to use during an actual race!)
We also chat a bit about some upcoming pro triathlon races - the season is starting!
Questions for us related to triathlon, fitness, nutrition, anything? Topics you'd like us to cover on the podcast? Please send us a message anytime, and feel free to give us a follow!
Podcast Email: [email protected]
Podcast Instagram: @simplytriathlonpodcast
Dina's Instagram: @dinathlon
Chris's Instagram: @coachchriskopcha
...more
40min
February 16, 2026 Why Local Races Are So Special, French Toast vs Pancakes, the Barkley Marathons, and More!
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In this episode, in light of an announcement that the Professional Triathletes Organization combining forces with the Challenge Family, we chat about fun local race organizations and races.
We've probably all got our local races we love - examples from CT include the Griskus race series (shoutout Tom Wilkas), the Hammerfest triathlon (RIP), and the Colchester Tough As Nails half marathon. We chat about personable race directors, a family feel, and the benefits of attending and/or volunteering at these races to support them and keep them going.
We also sadly touch upon the passing of NCAA triathlete and national champion, Hannah Henry, who was hit by a car while riding her bike and lost her life.
Stay tuned until the end for a more upbeat and lighthearted food discussion before we wrap up!
Questions for us related to triathlon, fitness, nutrition, anything? Topics you'd like us to cover on the podcast? Please send us a message anytime, and feel free to give us a follow!
Podcast Email: [email protected]
Podcast Instagram: @simplytriathlonpodcast
Dina's Instagram: @dinathlon
Chris's Instagram: @coachchriskopcha
...more
45min
February 09, 2026 Knowing When to Push Our Limits, Living in the Moment, and Staying Motivated in the Middle of Winter
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In this episode, we talk about the Winter Olympics thus far and Lindsey Vonn's devastating crash and injuries. We discuss when to push the limits, how to assess the risk and if it's worth it, and staying focused and living in the present moment.
We also discuss the midwinter blues and how to stay motivated, especially in a place like CT where Chris has been experiencing weeks of snow and single digit temperatures (meanwhile, Dina rides her bike outside in 65-degree weather in CO...)
We give some tips including joining a group or arranging to meet friends for workouts, remembering that the pool temperature isn't going to match how you feel when you're walking to the building from your car, and more!

Questions for us related to triathlon, fitness, nutrition, anything? Topics you'd like us to cover on the podcast? Please send us a message anytime, and feel free to give us a follow!
Podcast Email: [email protected]
Podcast Instagram: @simplytriathlonpodcast
Dina's Instagram: @dinathlon
Chris's Instagram: @coachchriskopcha
...more
42min

FAQs about Simply Triathlon with Dina & Chris:

How many episodes does Simply Triathlon with Dina & Chris have?

The podcast currently has 103 episodes available.