The Full Distance

In Episode 5 of The Full Distance Podcast, Matt and Dave dive into the wildest stat of the year: Ironman sign-ups are exploding, and nearly 40% of new athletes are under 30. What does that mean for the sport? Is it a blessing or a curse for longevity?

From there it’s straight into controversy — Hayden Wilde’s banned shoes, whether the drama even matters, and why he deserves more credit for his comeback than criticism. Plus, the boys can’t help but fanboy over Cam Wurf’s monster training weeks and debate how long the 42-year-old can keep swinging with the best.

Also inside:
– How TikTok & YouTube are fueling a new generation of triathletes
– The cost barrier: beers vs $1,200 race entries at 23 years old
– Should endurance athletes peak at 28 or mid-30s?
– Hayden Wilde’s prototype shoe slip-up and why it doesn’t change the win
– Cam Wurf’s 300km rides, 10k elevation, and if overtraining is part of his charm
– New Aussie race calendar changes (Western Sydney in May, Ironman Australia in October)
– Dave’s “injury” saga: 28k runs, moon boots, and ice packs

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
Website - https://www.triperformance.com.au/education

Less than 24 hours removed from the 2025 Men’s Ironman World Championship, Matt and Dave sit down for a bonus episode of The Full Distance Podcast to break down what might have been the best race in recent years.

From the swim dynamics with Jamie Riddle and Sam Laidlow, to the fireworks on the bike, to Casper’s lightning-in-a-bottle marathon, the boys give their raw take on the action — plus a few rants on the broadcast, commentary, and Ironman’s future direction.

Also inside:
– Kona vs Nice: which is better for athletes vs fans?
– Swim tactics, alliances, and Laidlow’s rough start
– Bike leg fireworks: Norwegians, Nick Thompson, and record-breaking splits
– Casper’s 2:29 marathon and what it means for the sport
– The best (and worst) parts of Ironman’s broadcast coverage
– Where the sport goes next (and why Oman’s gold bars might matter)

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
Website - https://www.triperformance.com.au/education

Episode 4 of The Full Distance Podcast goes a little rogue. Matt kicks things off with a hypothetical: if you were wrongly sentenced to 10 years in jail, what three items would you bring to survive? From pillows to hidden phones to running laps in the prison yard, the boys take it way too seriously.

Then it’s back to triathlon talk — stolen bikes in Copenhagen, Ironman’s messy handling of it, and the money (or lack of) in the pro field. The chat finishes with world champs predictions and a few passionate rants about Ironman’s broadcasting failures.

Also inside:
– Matt & Dave’s jail survival kits (and why pillows are king)
– How six age-group bikes vanished before Ironman Copenhagen
– Ironman vs Challenge: who’s actually looking after athletes?
– Why pro payouts don’t add up (and who they’re tipping for Nice)
– A callout to Cam Wurf to come on the pod

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
Website - https://www.triperformance.com.au/education

Description
Welcome to the very first episode of The Full Distance Podcast! Formerly known as The Triathlon Lab, this rebranded show brings a fresh new format: two mates, plenty of banter, and all things endurance.

In this kickoff, Matt and Dave share why the old show took a pause, why they decided to bring it back in a new way, and what you can expect moving forward. Think less “lecture-style coaching” and more real conversations between two athletes deep in the world of triathlon.

Also inside:
– The story behind the rebrand and why interviews weren’t the long-term answer
– Why triathlon needs more “mates having a yarn” podcasts
– First laughs about tri-suit fashion (including Mr. Incredible and see-through disasters)

– What’s the new format and how is it different from Triathlon Lab?
– Who is Dave and how did he end up co-hosting?
– Will you still cover pro racing and world champs?

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
Website - https://www.triperformance.com.au/education

In Episode 2 of The Full Distance Podcast, it’s all about Dave. Just 18 months ago, he was 125kg, battling poor mental health, and living a sedentary lifestyle. Fast forward to today — he’s an Ironman finisher, ultra-marathon trainee, and co-host of this show.

Dave opens up about the turning points, setbacks, and the crazy leap from Couch to 5K → straight to Ironman. Matt digs in to highlight the lessons, the struggles, and why this journey is anything but “normal.”

Also inside:
– The “line in the sand” moment that changed everything for Dave
– Why discipline — not motivation — drove his early training
– How a 10K run turned into signing up for an Ironman
– The emotional rollercoaster of Ironman Australia 2025 (cancelled swim, brutal ride, tough decisions)
– What’s next: ultras, redemption, and Ironman New Zealand

 – How do you go from overweight and sedentary to Ironman in under a year?
 – What role did mental health play in this transformation?
 – How do you balance relationships, work, and the time demands of training?

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
Website - https://www.triperformance.com.au/education

In Episode 3 of The Full Distance Podcast, it’s Matt’s turn to share his journey. From Michelin-star kitchens in Europe to battles with addiction, depression, and starting over from scratch, this is the raw story of how endurance sport became a lifeline.

Matt opens up about the rock bottom moment that forced him to walk away from cooking, how triathlon gave him purpose, and why he’s now obsessed with chasing the elusive sub-10 Ironman while building Australia’s fastest-growing endurance coaching community.

Also inside:
– Life in Michelin-star restaurants (and the toxic culture behind the glamour)
– The turning point that led to walking away from drugs and alcohol
– Building (and selling) a meal prep company during COVID
– Why Nick Bare inspired the leap into Ironman
– From 13+ hours at Ironman WA to chasing sub-10 at Cairns
– How The Performance Project was born and where it’s heading

 – How do you transition from addiction to endurance sport?
 – What’s the mental battle like chasing sub-10 in Ironman?
 – Can building a business and chasing elite endurance goals coexist?

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
Website - https://www.triperformance.com.au/education

In this engaging conversation, Matt Butler and Sam Askey-Doran discuss Sam's journey through triathlon, including his recent bike accident, race experiences, and the challenges of transitioning from swimming to triathlon. They delve into nutrition strategies, the significance of hydration, and the mental resilience required during races. Sam shares insights from his record-breaking swim at Kona and the support he receives from coaches and sponsors. The conversation wraps up with a look at Sam's future goals and upcoming races, emphasising the importance of community and support in the sport.

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
Website - https://www.triperformance.com.au/education

In this episode, Matt Butler discusses the evolution of his podcast format, transitioning from guest interviews to solo episodes focused on his journey to complete a sub 10 hour Ironman. He shares insights on his training goals, the challenges of coaching changes, and the importance of mental health in endurance sports. The episode also delves into the mathematical approach he takes in decision-making regarding coaching and training, emphasizing the need for a coach who aligns with his goals. Matt wraps up by inviting listener engagement and sharing future plans for the podcast.

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
Website - https://www.triperformance.com.au/education

In this conversation, Matt Butler and Daniel Barry discuss Daniel's experiences leading up to and following the Ironman World Championship in Kona. They explore the challenges of training, the impact of family dynamics, the pressure of performance expectations, and the importance of finding enjoyment in the sport. Daniel reflects on his training adjustments, the decision to skip the Taupo race, and the balance between competition and family life. The conversation emphasizes the need for age group athletes to manage their training effectively while maintaining a healthy mindset.

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
Website - https://www.triperformance.com.au/education

In this conversation, Blake Parker shares his journey into triathlon, reflecting on his recent race experiences, training philosophy, and future aspirations. He discusses the importance of self-coaching, the balance of swim, bike, and run training, and the strategies he employs for nutrition and hydration during races. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of efficiency in training and the value of community support in the sport.

Host - https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tri_performance_podcast/
Coaching - https://www.triperformance.com.au/
Website - https://www.triperformance.com.au/education