The REAL Triathlon Podcast

Organization Progress, Future Plans, and Racing Events

In this episode, we sit down with a long-time supporter and friend of RTS, Zac. As Zac's Coach, Nick has always been blown away by his sheer tenacity and ability to get-shit-done. However, as life goes, sometimes we must overcome aspects of life, that no one should have to deal with. After learning his daughter Charlotte has an inoperable brain tumor, the timer started on how to maximize all areas of life with her! We are proud to be able to share this remarkable story.

Nick has been a sweat test expert with Precision Hydration since the COVID days and since there have been hundreds of tests, he wanted to chat with Andy on a few key topics. Most importantly, smart sodium intake has had a profound effect on many athletes and their ability to compete.

Tamara and Marc sit down with Nick to discuss their preparation for the upcoming Ironman 70.3 European Championships in Tallinn Estonia. 

This race was stacked with over 80 men on the START LINE, one of the biggest ever. Kristian Blumenfelt nearly set the run course world record and Patrick Lange didn't have the day he so desired. There were tons of breakout performances, some RAW feelings from Jackson‬ on swim start procedures, and the overall pain he will now endure post-crash as he rebuilds!

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Jackson and Nicholas discussed the technical aspects of a new bike design. Jackson explained the bike's unique features, such as wide forks, chain stays, and seat stays, which are aimed at reducing air drag. He also mentioned that the bike's base bar and fork are designed with a 6 to 1 airfoil, the thinnest possible design for minimal drag. Jackson shared his excitement about racing with the new bike and compared it to his previous bike, the Ventum, highlighting the new bike's stiffness and solid carbon base bar. Ventum Frame Race and Pacing Strategies Jackson and Nicholas eagerly anticipated the upcoming race on the Ventum frame, with particular interest in the participation of Lauren Brandon and the potential for mixed representation on the new frame. Jackson shared his expectations for the race, predicting a large field of 86 participants and possible scenarios, including a championship race or multiple groups based on strength. He also discussed his strategy for pacing himself during a swim and bike race, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong pace in the second half of the race. Jackson noted that he often races with Sam Long and Trevor Foley, who are expected to be strong on the bike. Race Course Discussion and Weather Impact Jackson, Nicholas, and Garrick discussed the upcoming race course, which features a mostly flat terrain with a significant climb. They anticipated that the dynamic nature of the course, including small villages and varying terrain, could lead to groupings and potential conflicts, and emphasized the need for athletes to maintain a safe distance to avoid penalties. They also discussed the potential impact of rain on the race, with Jackson expressing his belief that rain would slow down the race, while Nicholas argued that previous experiences suggested rain might not necessarily slow the race down. The quality of the roads in Germany was also discussed, with Nicholas expressing hope that the roads would be clear of potholes. Competitor Position Changes and Contenders Nicholas and Jackson discussed the expected movements and position changes among the competitors in an upcoming race. They identified Sam, Trevor, and themselves as likely candidates for significant shifts, especially on the bike course. They also predicted that Christian Hogan, Brain Curry, and Florian Ingard, among others, would be strong contenders. Jackson noted that Patrick Lang might not push the pace at the front but would aim to stay in a second group. Nicholas highlighted Christian Blumenfeld as a wild card due to his intense and unrelenting nature. They both agreed that the competition would be fierce, with numerous strong contenders vying for position. Jackson's Race Strategy and Gear Discussion Jackson expressed his confidence in his new bike giving him a significant advantage in the upcoming race. He detailed his strategy, which included maintaining a consistent nutrition plan, drinking from his bottles at specific points to avoid them launching, and studying the course to prevent losses. Nicholas and Garrick teased him about his wristband and potential time loss due to drag during the swim. Jackson defended his approach, stating that it would not affect his swim performance.

Triathlon Water Quality and Media Attention Nicholas and Kirsten discussed the water quality issues that arose during a recent triathlon event. Kirsten explained that the athletes and coaches were kept informed about the water quality through daily emails from the World Triathlon organization. Despite the uncertainty, the athletes seemed to handle the situation well, with Kirsten noting that there was no hesitation among them to participate. The water quality issue also generated significant media attention, both within the triathlon community and among other Olympic sports. Kirsten shared that this attention was beneficial for triathlon, as it increased awareness and excitement for the sport. Sporting Event Experience and Logistics Nicholas and Kirsten discussed their experiences at a recent sporting event. Kirsten shared that she opted not to join the boat ride due to the event's proximity to racing, but she still got to interact with the US team before they boarded. She described the atmosphere as exciting and the camaraderie among athletes as impressive. They also discussed the logistics of the event, with Kirsten mentioning that the village was locked down after a certain time, ensuring everyone stayed in one place. The conversation also touched on the media's focus on the athletes' personal lives, with Kirsten denying she witnessed any condom distribution. Kirsten's Triathlon Preparation and Logistics Kirsten shared her experience of preparing for a triathlon in a village setting, highlighting the high energy and constant activity. She noted the lack of personal space and quiet time, attributing this to the demands of media and the need to utilize various training facilities. Nicholas asked about the logistics of training, and Kirsten explained that the majority of triathletes stayed in the village, with some choosing to stay elsewhere for their high-performance preparation. She also mentioned that the US team was fortunate to have a remote Olympic training center, about 20 minutes away by bus, which included a dining hall, track, swimming pool, indoor track, gym facility, and volleyball courts. Kirsten's Olympic Experience and Race Strategies Kirsten shared her experience of competing in the Olympics, highlighting the unique team culture and the advantage of having US sponsors. She also discussed her approach to the race, focusing on her own performance rather than external pressure. Nicholas and Kirsten talked about the supportive team dynamics, lack of race strategy discussions, and the importance of individual goals. They also discussed the drama surrounding Morgan's outburst and the potential benefits of having a race plan in future competitions. Swim Race Experience and Olympic Admiration Nicholas and Kirsten discussed their experience in a recent swim race, highlighting the challenges posed by a strong current and the need to navigate around boats and walls. Kirsten shared her strategy for dealing with the current and how it impacted her performance. They also discussed the unique challenges of river swimming and the need for athletes to practice in such conditions. Additionally, they talked about their interactions with other athletes, including Simone Biles and Noah Lyles, and expressed their admiration for the production and athleticism of the Olympic Games. Kirsten and Nicholas discussed Kirsten's recent experience in a cycling race. Kirsten shared her disappointment about crashing twice and having to run the final part of the race, resulting in her finishing in last place. Despite the outcome, Nicholas praised Kirsten's resilience and effort, noting that she fared better than many other athletes who also crashed. Kirsten is still processing the experience and trying to understand the cause of her crashes, which she believes were due to slick conditions from horse manure on the track. Kirsten's Olympic Experience and Triathlon Aspirations Kirsten and Nicholas discussed Kirsten's recent Olympic experience and her future aspirations in triathlon. Kirsten shared her excitement about her improving back injury and her upcoming race, the Super Try, in Boston. They both praised the quality and excitement of the Super Try races and discussed the politics and difficult decisions involved in selection processes. The conversation ended with Kirsten's anticipation of participating in the Michigan 70.3 event and Nicholas expressing gratitude for Kirsten's insights into her Olympic experience.

Jackson, Nick and Garrick have all completed a 140.6 distance in the past 4 weeks! There are some great war stories, race recaps and as always candid entertainment.

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Nicholas and Skye shared their personal experiences and perspectives on various topics including coffee brewing, video editing, and their work setups. They also discussed Skye's pregnancy journey, her evolving interests in podcasting and triathlon, and the challenges and opportunities in the triathlon world. Lastly, they talked about the promotion of Skye's podcast, the potential use of AI, and their personal life updates, with a focus on balancing training and family life.

Skye's Pregnancy Journey and Podcasting

Skye shared her 21.5-week pregnancy journey and the challenges of tracking progress, while also expressing her changing perspective on time. She discussed her newfound interest in podcasting as a more sustainable format for sharing her experiences and opinions. Skye's podcast, which focuses on her personal journey and the balance between parenthood and high-performance sports, has resonated with many listeners, particularly women. Nicholas expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to share his perspective and fill in gaps in the narrative of their sport, emphasizing the importance of personal stories and experiences over just results. Both agreed on the remarkable achievements of women who have successfully returned to their professional sports after childbirth and discussed the evolving roles in relationships.

Skye's Adjustment to Pregnancy and Focus

Skye shared her personal experience of adjusting to pregnancy and the challenges it posed to her active lifestyle. She expressed that she has had to modify her expectations and activities, but still finds joy in her daily walks with her dog and shorter bike rides. Nicholas supported and empathized with her adjustments, recognizing the significant physical and mental demands of pregnancy. Skye shared that her current focus is on her upcoming baby and the process of labor and delivery, rather than on her triathlon goals for the next year. nicholas agreed with her logical approach to problem-solving and her focus on her well-being.

Triathlon World Evolution and Challenges

Nicholas and Skye discussed the evolution of the triathlon world, focusing on the changes in the T. 100 Miami and PTO organizations. Skye, a former board member of PTO, shared her perspective on the organization's shift from an athlete-owned, support-focused model to a race organization. She acknowledged the move was necessary for financial sustainability but also expressed that it upset many athletes. Skye suggested PTO needs to increase the field size and change the contract system to attract more athletes. Nicholas agreed, highlighting that the contracted athlete situation in the T. 100 series was a significant issue. Both agreed that these organizations need to demand more from the professional level of the sport.

Re-Evaluating Contracts for Better Prize Money

In the context of professional triathlon, Skye proposed re-evaluating contracts to offer better prize money, citing the 2022 PTO Tour where the absence of contracted athletes did not diminish the prize money or competition quality. Nicholas agreed and noted that travel and accommodation costs can significantly impact net prize money. Both acknowledged the appeal of high-profile races lies in the opportunity to participate, associated rankings, and a deeper prize purse, especially for wildcard athletes facing high costs and short notice.

Skye and Nicholas shared their concerns about the Iron Man Series, particularly the uncontrolled start lists, scheduling of races, and inadequate facilities. They acknowledged the challenges faced by athletes and emphasized the importance of providing feedback for improvement. They also discussed the potential of the Challenge series in the US and praised the treatment of athletes in Europe. Lastly, Skye shared her intention to participate in the Challenge Roth triathlon race and they both discussed standout performances and developments in their sport.

Female Athletes, Swimmers, and Bike Runners Dominate

Skye and Nicholas discussed the remarkable performances of female athletes in recent races, particularly highlighting the winner of Roth who also held the course record. They also noted the growing dominance of strong swimmers and bike runners in the sport, underlining the importance of proficiency in all three disciplines to compete at the highest level. Lastly, they discussed the impact of technology, such as new shoe designs, on the evolving landscape of the sport. They shared their anticipation and experiences regarding competitive events, acknowledging the challenges and stress of preparing for and participating in full-distance events.

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

With Jackson Laundry currently standing in 2nd place in the IRONMAN Pro series and planning to take on IRONMAN Lake Placid against some serious contenders, we had a lot to unpack. Additionally, Tamara Jewett is BACK smashing the course at IRONMAN 70.3 Mt. Tremblant, running her way into 2nd place after battling with Ellie Salthouse in the final Kilometers. Garrick is taking on IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz while Nicholas Chase is going for Challenge ROTH, one of the biggest races in the sport. We are in full-on season peaking with most of us taking a break after our July races.

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri