The Inspired Triathlete

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She got up at 3:30 a.m. to have this conversation, and that dedication says a lot about Sydney Hyde.

Sydney is a high school science teacher, triathlete, and passionate advocate for women and girls in multi-sport. In this episode, we talk about her journey into triathlon, her incredible second-place finish among all women at Age Group Nationals, earning All-American honours, and what it meant to achieve those goals after a difficult experience at World Championships in Australia the season before.

We also dive into the bigger conversations surrounding women in sport: representation, body image, strength, comparison, and what it means to challenge the idea of what an athlete is supposed to look like.

After someone commented on Sydney's body following Nationals, she found herself confronting a familiar issue for female athletes, being judged by how their bodies look rather than what those bodies are capable of doing. Sydney shares why she would rather be described as strong than “big,” and how her relationship with strength training has evolved throughout her athletic career.

As a science teacher, Sydney is equally passionate about being a role model for the next generation. She wants young girls to have that moment of seeing someone like them and thinking:

“Wow, she looks like me. Maybe I can do that too.”

We also talk about the unexpected injury that has changed the course of her 2026 season, what stepping away from training and racing has taught her about patience and identity, and how she's learning to celebrate progress while working her way back.

This is a conversation about resilience, strength, representation, body image, and redefining what it means to be an athlete.

And yes, all of this started with Sydney waking up at 3:30 a.m. to join me for the conversation. That alone tells you something about the person you're about to hear from.

You can Follow Sydneys journey here:

https://www.instagram.com/tri_and_hyde/

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Follow Celia at Love The Rain Triathlon Coaching

Website: https://ltrcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetheraincoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltrcoaching

If you find value in what I share and want to support my work, your contributions mean the world. They help me continue creating helpful content, and inspiring others to chase their triathlon dreams.
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In this episode, Hannah shares her inspiring journey from competitive swimming to earning her professional triathlon licence and explains why becoming a pro was always about passion, freedom, and the love of racing, not just results.

Hannah opens up about training throughout pregnancy, the challenge of letting go of pace, power, and performance metrics, and learning to trust her body instead. She talks honestly about navigating the first trimester, keeping her pregnancy private while training with others, adapting swim, bike, and run sessions as her body changes, and dealing with the physical and mental shifts that come with pregnancy.

We also discuss the latest guidance around exercising during pregnancy, the importance of medical support, staying active safely, and why every pregnancy is unique. Looking ahead, Hannah shares her hopes of returning to professional racing, with Ironman Kalmar firmly on her radar around nine months postpartum.

Finally, Hannah reflects on her memorable Long Course Weekend victory, the unique demands of multi-day racing, and offers practical advice for athletes balancing sport, pregnancy, work, and everyday life.

Whether you're a triathlete, an endurance athlete, an expectant parent, or simply interested in stories of resilience and adaptation, this conversation is packed with honest insights, motivation, and practical takeaways.

You can Find Hannah on Instagram and follow her journey here

https://www.instagram.com/hannahmundaytri

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Follow Celia at Love The Rain Triathlon Coaching

Website: https://ltrcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetheraincoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltrcoaching

If you find value in what I share and want to support my work, your contributions mean the world. They help me continue creating helpful content, and inspiring others to chase their triathlon dreams.
Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/lovetheraincoaching

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This episode is a conversation with Diana Almazova, founder of Stana, a clothing brand created for active women who want to feel strong, confident, and supported in every aspect of their lives.

Diana shares her journey from discovering sport to recently completing her first 70.3 triathlon, reflecting on the discipline, resilience, and self-belief required to take on one of endurance sport's biggest challenges.

We discuss what first drew her into an active lifestyle, whether she could ever have imagined crossing the finish line of a 70.3 when she was younger, and the inspiration behind signing up for the race. 

Diana opens up about the moments of self-doubt she experienced throughout training, the toughest aspects of preparing for the event, and how achieving such a significant goal reshaped her understanding of what she is capable of.

Beyond the race course, we explore the story behind Stana and the original vision that led Diana to launch a brand dedicated to modern, active women. She talks about the gap she identified in the market, how her own experiences as an athlete influence the products she is building, and the realities of creating a business from the ground up.

Diana also shares insights into balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with training, the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community, and the mentors and role models who have helped shape her path. 

At the heart of our conversation is a discussion about the impact she hopes Stana will have on the women who engage with the brand: encouraging them to pursue ambitious goals, trust in their potential, and redefine what they believe is possible.

Finally, we look ahead to what's next. From growing Stana to setting new personal challenges,  Diana reflects on the exciting road ahead and the mindset that continues to drive her forward.

If you've ever questioned your own limits, considered starting something from scratch, or wondered what can happen when you commit to a goal that scares you, this episode offers an honest and inspiring perspective on embracing challenge and building a life aligned with your ambitions.

Stana on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wearestana/

Diana on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dianazova_/

Diana on Substack https://wearestana.substack.com/

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Follow Celia at Love The Rain Triathlon Coaching

Website: https://ltrcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetheraincoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltrcoaching

If you find value in what I share and want to support my work, your contributions mean the world. They help me continue creating helpful content, and inspiring others to chase their triathlon dreams.
Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/lovetheraincoaching

Send me a message, how did you enjoy the show?

A week before a planned trip, I suffered an ankle sprain that stopped training completely. As a triathlon coach, it forced me to step back, not just physically, but mentally and rethink how I approach injury and recovery.

In this episode, I share what ankle sprain rehab actually looks like for triathletes, including the mindset challenges that come with time off, loss of fitness, and uncertainty around returning to training.

We cover:

•  How to approach injury recovery as an endurance athlete 
•  Common mistakes triathletes make during rehab 
•  Staying consistent when you can’t train normally 
•  Rebuilding confidence and returning to training safely 

I also share a powerful moment with my son Milo, what helped me mentally during rehab, and what it’s been like getting back to pain-free cycling as I look ahead to training again.

If you're dealing with an injury, coming back from time off, or trying to balance recovery with performance, this episode will give you a clearer, more sustainable approach.

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Follow Celia at Love The Rain Triathlon Coaching

Website: https://ltrcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetheraincoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltrcoaching

If you find value in what I share and want to support my work, your contributions mean the world. They help me continue creating helpful content, and inspiring others to chase their triathlon dreams.
Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/lovetheraincoaching

Send me a message, how did you enjoy the show?

In this episode, Celia talks with triathlete, Mel Berry about her journey from her first triathlon in 1996 to founding MelBerry Coaching, Her Spirit, and most recently The Women's Sports Store. 

They explore how to make triathlon more accessible for women, the importance of confidence and community, and why strength training is essential for long-term health. 

Mel shares insights from her own racing and recovery, the emotional side of coaching, and the need for better funding and support for women in sport. Together, they highlight the power of collaboration and the impact of helping women believe in what’s possible.

Mel Berry Coaching https://www.melberrycoaching.com/

Mel Berry On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melberrycoaching/

The Women's Sports Store https://womenssportsstore.com/

The Women's Sports Store on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/womenssportsstore_com/

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Follow Celia at Love The Rain Triathlon Coaching

Website: https://ltrcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetheraincoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltrcoaching

If you find value in what I share and want to support my work, your contributions mean the world. They help me continue creating helpful content, and inspiring others to chase their triathlon dreams.
Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/lovetheraincoaching

Send me a message, how did you enjoy the show?

After months of training and one powerful finish line moment, many athletes are surprised to find themselves feeling… empty. 
In this episode, we dive deep into the post-race blues, why they happen, how they affect us mentally and emotionally, and what we can do to rediscover purpose after the big day. If you’ve ever felt lost after achieving a goal, this conversation is for you.

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Follow Celia at Love The Rain Triathlon Coaching

Website: https://ltrcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetheraincoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltrcoaching

If you find value in what I share and want to support my work, your contributions mean the world. They help me continue creating helpful content, and inspiring others to chase their triathlon dreams.
Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/lovetheraincoaching

Send me a message, how did you enjoy the show?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Sara Black, pelvic health expert and physiotherapist, to talk about a topic that impacts every woman but often goes undiscussed—pelvic health throughout the lifespan.

We dive into:

• How pelvic health changes throughout our lives
• The connection between pelvic floor function and core strength
• Common myths about training and pregnancy
• How athletes and everyday movers can support long-term pelvic health
• The role of strength training in injury prevention

Whether you’re an older athlete, new mum, pregnant, or simply want to understand your body better, this conversation will give you tools to integrate pelvic health into your approach to fitness and wellbeing.

Follow Sara on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ziaphysiotherapy/

https://www.instagram.com/thetriathleteproject/

Sara's website 👇🏽

Zia Physiotherapy https://www.ziaphysio.com/

The Triathlete project https://www.thetriathleteproject.com/

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Follow Celia at Love The Rain Triathlon Coaching

Website: https://ltrcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetheraincoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltrcoaching

If you find value in what I share and want to support my work, your contributions mean the world. They help me continue creating helpful content, and inspiring others to chase their triathlon dreams.
Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/lovetheraincoaching

Send me a message, how did you enjoy the show?

What does it take to transform from a self-proclaimed couch potato to a competitive endurance athlete, after 50? 

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Hilary Topper, age-group triathlete and author of From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete. Hilary shares the pivotal moments that sparked her fitness journey, the mental and physical hurdles she overcame, and how she’s redefining what it means to age with strength and purpose. 

We also dive into her latest work: two new beginner-friendly books designed to demystify the world of triathlon and open water swimming. Whether you're considering your first race or looking to take the plunge into the open water, Hilary’s insights are honest, accessible, and incredibly motivating.

Perfect for late bloomers, aspiring athletes, and anyone curious about pushing past perceived limits, this episode is proof that the start line can happen at any stage of life.

Whether you're looking to toe the start line for the first time or need motivation to keep going, Hilary’s story proves it’s never too late to chase bold goals.

Follow Hilary 

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hilarytopper/?hl=en

On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/hilarytopper

On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hilary.topper/

Buy her book From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete

https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/from-couch-potato-to-endurance-athlete-book-hilary-jm-topper-9781782552406

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Follow Celia at Love The Rain Triathlon Coaching

Website: https://ltrcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetheraincoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltrcoaching

If you find value in what I share and want to support my work, your contributions mean the world. They help me continue creating helpful content, and inspiring others to chase their triathlon dreams.
Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/lovetheraincoaching

Send me a message, how did you enjoy the show?

In this insightful episode, Dr. Meeta Singh, a board-certified physician and psychiatrist, shares her journey into sleep medicine and explores why quality sleep is essential for health, emotional well-being, and peak performance. 

From circadian rhythms and chronotypes to the bidirectional relationship between stress and sleep, Dr. Singh provides actionable tips for improving your sleep hygiene. 

She breaks down relaxation techniques, the benefits and limitations of napping, the value of sleep consistency, and how wearables can (and can't) help you track rest. 

Listen in to this conversation for practical, science-backed strategies to help you support healthy sleep patterns.

Follow Dr Singh on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/athletesleepmd/?hl=en

Sign up for the sleep newsletter here https://subscribe.meetasinghmd.com/

Check out her website https://www.meetasinghmd.com/

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Follow Celia at Love The Rain Triathlon Coaching

Website: https://ltrcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetheraincoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltrcoaching

If you find value in what I share and want to support my work, your contributions mean the world. They help me continue creating helpful content, and inspiring others to chase their triathlon dreams.
Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/lovetheraincoaching

Send me a message, how did you enjoy the show?

What does it really take to stay hydrated as a triathlete?
In this episode, we sit down with Natasha Cooper Smith—elite triathlete, sports scientist, and hydration expert at Precision Hydration—to unpack the science and real-world strategy behind effective hydration.

Natasha shares her journey into the world of performance hydration, her daily routines, and how she adapts her approach in different situations.

From sweat testing and electrolyte strategies to gender-specific challenges and heat chamber training, Natasha dives deep into what it takes to stay ahead of the hydration curve—and busts some common hydration myths.

We explore:
💧 Race-day hydration plans for swim, bike, and run
💧 Electrolyte balance and favourite fuelling products
💧 The role of female hormones in hydration
💧 How to hydrate smart—especially for beginner women triathletes
💧 Pre-Loading, and why it's important
💧 Tech, tracking, and Natasha’s personal strategies

Whether you're racing your first sprint or chasing an Ironman podium, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you hydrate like a pro.

Check out the Precision Hydration planner here https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/

And Follow Tash on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tash.cs/

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Follow Celia at Love The Rain Triathlon Coaching

Website: https://ltrcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetheraincoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltrcoaching

If you find value in what I share and want to support my work, your contributions mean the world. They help me continue creating helpful content, and inspiring others to chase their triathlon dreams.
Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/lovetheraincoaching