In this episode of the Real Triathlon podcast, hosts Lisa, Garrick, and Jackson discuss various aspects of triathlon training, race preparations, and coaching philosophies. They share insights on travel logistics for races, the mental and physical challenges athletes face during training, and the importance of choosing the right accommodations for race day. The conversation also delves into the nuances of coaching swimming, emphasizing that proficiency in swimming is not a strict requirement for effective coaching. The episode concludes with reflections on the dynamics of coaching and the diverse experiences of athletes. In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of triathlon training, focusing on the efficiency of swimming for age group athletes, the fun debate of washing vegetables, and the pros and cons of training with carbon shoes. They also make predictions for the upcoming Ironman South Africa race, showcasing their insights and personal experiences in the sport.

In this episode, we had the chance to sit down with Olympian Matt Sharpe from the Tempo News. Matt gave us some personal updates, including how he’s navigating a broken toe (thanks to an unfortunate run-in with his dog) and his wife Kristen Kasper’s recovery from surgery. We also chatted about his race plans, including St. George, and what it’s like to manage setbacks while staying race-ready.

We dove into the big stuff too—like USA Triathlon’s financial struggles, the challenges independent race directors face, and how Ironman and T100 are shaping the future of the sport. There’s so much to unpack about what keeps athletes in the game and how to make triathlon more accessible for everyone.

Of course, we kept things fun with a “smash or pass” segment—spoiler alert: peeing on the bike during a race is definitely a smash! This episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a real behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening in triathlon. 

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

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

The Real Tri Squad is back with a jam-packed episode full of hot takes, race-day drama, and triathlon truths! Lisa kicks things off with a wild time trial story featuring a rule-breaking drafter, leading to a heated discussion—do you call them out mid-race or let it slide? We also dive into the world of pro triathlon couples—does training together 24/7 make or break a relationship? Plus, we break down Ironman’s latest prize money trends, the rise (and fall?) of triathlon payouts, and whether the sport attracts athletes who love to spend money.

And of course, Pass or Smash is back! We debate everything from water running and bone stimulators to injury recovery hacks and training shoe rotations. Buckle up for a fast-paced, hilarious, and insightful episode—you won’t want to miss this one!

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

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

In this episode of the Real Triathlon Podcast, the hosts discuss various topics related to triathlon training, race preparation, and recent updates in the sport. They share personal experiences, including training for Ironman races, dealing with injuries, and travel plans for upcoming competitions. The conversation also delves into the implications of new drafting rules and regulations in triathlon events, highlighting the importance of fair play and athlete integrity. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the latest rules in triathlon races, particularly focusing on equipment restrictions and the implications for athletes. They share personal experiences with race penalties and the challenges of adhering to strict rules. The conversation shifts to upcoming races, with each host sharing their goals and strategies for performance. The episode concludes with lighthearted banter and reflections on the importance of support in racing.

This past week we found out that rising star-triathlon Imogen Simmonds was found to have had trace amounts of a banned substance in her blood after a test in Dec 2024. With that going on, of course we had to talk about it as we opened up the show. As a matter of fast, this whole show is about BLOOD Testing and the innovations coming to our fingertips courtesy of Rythm Health. We all need This vital asset as we grow as informed athletes about our blood-ecosystem. As with everything these days, we are all smarter and more away and Robbie Wade has done us a solid to start this process off the right way, by building consumer trust.

Greg Harper is widely regarded as the fastest swimmer in long-course triathlon. He most recently led out of the swim at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships and joins the podcast today to discuss how and why so many triathletes miss the mark regarding their triathlon swim training. 

In this episode, we're joined by Nicole Falcaro, a pro triathlete and VP at Citi Bank. Nicole shares with us her tricks and habits for integrating a high-performance triathlon training program with a full-time job in a high-paced field. 

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

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

Lisa comes in firing from all directions today! Is it ok for coaches to take a cut from their athlete's prize money? Is USA cycling gatekeeping from triathletes? And is Indoor riding that crucial of a tool in building your fitness?

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

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

We are back from the epic RTS camp in Cozumel and have some stories to tell! Plus, how do you know when you're just getting too old for this pro-level sh*t, and it's time to retire? 

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

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

This episode is a recording of Jack's nutrition presentation from this week's RTS camp in Cozumel, Mexico.

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

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas