Former professional triathlete Lauren Brandon joins John Mayfield for an honest conversation about life after racing, motherhood, and what comes next when one chapter closes and another begins.

Known as one of the fastest swimmers our sport has ever seen, Lauren spent more than a decade racing professionally around the world, winning Ironman races, leading the swim in Kona, and competing against the very best in triathlon. But this conversation goes far beyond race results.

Lauren shares what motherhood has taught her, why triathlon prepared her for the challenges of parenting, how she knew it was time to retire after the 2024 Ironman World Championship in Nice, and why she still felt like she had more to give.

We also discuss:

• Transitioning from elite swimmer to professional triathlete
• Winning Ironman Boulder and racing at the highest level
• Kona, DNFs, and the realities of professional racing
• The mental challenge of retiring from elite sport
• Why triathlon should be part of your life—not your entire life
• Advice every age-group triathlete needs to hear

Whether you're chasing a Kona qualification, training for your first triathlon, or simply trying to balance endurance sports with the rest of your life, this episode is filled with perspective, wisdom, and practical lessons from one of the most respected athletes in the sport.

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Train smarter. Race faster.

Nancy Goodnight may be the hardest working person in triathlon.

She has completed 25 Ironman races, raced Kona and Nice, run Boston and London, and remains one of only four athletes to finish every Ironman Texas since the race began in 2011.

But Nancy’s impact goes far beyond her own race results. She is also an Ironman race director, helping bring events like 70.3 Waco, 70.3 Dallas/Little Elm, and 70.3 Texas to life.

In this episode, Nancy shares how she found endurance sports, why Ironman Texas means so much to her, what it’s like racing Boston and Ironman Texas just days apart, and what athletes never see behind the scenes on race day.

We talk race directing, community impact, athlete safety, weather chaos, volunteers, porta potties, chip seal, and why the people of triathlon keep her coming back.

This is a fun and insightful conversation with one of the most respected people in the sport.

After more than 15 years in triathlon as an athlete, coach, and student of the sport, I've accumulated a lot of lessons. Some came from certifications and continuing education. Some came from coaching hundreds of athletes. And some came from making mistakes and learning things the hard way.

In this episode, I share 20 bits of triathlon wisdom that have shaped the way I train, coach, and race.

We cover everything from swim technique and drills to bike pacing, heart rate training, running, strength training, recovery, race execution, and mindset. Whether you're training for your first sprint triathlon or preparing for your next Ironman, you'll find practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

• Why technique matters more than simply swimming more
• How to use swim drills effectively
• The value of video analysis
• Why you should invest in yourself before investing in your bike
• How heart rate and power work together
• The importance of training variety
• Getting properly fit for running shoes
• Why run drills matter
• The case for shorter long runs
• Heavy lifting vs. light resistance training
• Why the bike determines the run
• Expecting things to go wrong on race day
• Knowing when to adapt your race plan
• Staying ahead of injuries
• Prioritizing recovery and sleep
• Avoiding burnout and keeping perspective
• Embracing failure as part of growth
• The power of gratitude in sport and life

• Oura Ring
• Dryland swim tubing
• TRIbe Coaching

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Have a favorite piece of triathlon wisdom? I'd love to hear it. Send me a message or reply to the weekly email and your wisdom may be featured in a future episode.

In this episode of the Tribe Triathlon Podcast, we sit down with Peyton and Cameron Henderson (Twin Wave)—the youngest twins ever to complete a full Ironman. Instead of celebrating with a party, they took on 140.6 miles at Ironman Texas… and made history.

From discovering triathlon at a young age to committing to a full Ironman the moment they turned 18, their journey is packed with grit, discipline, and resilience. They share what it really takes to train for a full Ironman as teenagers, including the physical demands, mental challenges, and the setbacks they had to overcome—like racing after a broken hand just weeks before race day.

We also go behind the scenes of Ironman Texas:

Race morning nerves and atmosphere
The reality of the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and marathon run
Mental battles during the toughest moments of the race
What it felt like to be featured by Ironman media
The power of family support and training as twins

Whether you're training for your first triathlon, chasing a PR, or just looking for motivation, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and push further.

👇 Let us know in the comments:
What would YOU do on your 18th birthday?

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Meet Twinwave (Peyton & Cameron)
08:00 Why Ironman at 18?
15:00 Training for 140.6
25:00 Race Day Experience
40:00 The Bike Struggles
55:00 Lessons & Takeaways

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John Mayfield shares his experience and reflections on the Ironman Texas 2026 race, discussing the challenges faced in the previous year, his preparations, and the mental and physical struggles encountered during the race. He also reflects on the significance of redemption and setting new goals for the current race. John Mayfield shares his challenging race day experience, including a difficult swim, neck pain on the bike, and emotional motivation to continue. He reflects on the influence of family support, struggles against time, and the post-race physical challenges. Despite the difficulties, he expresses gratitude and resilience, emphasizing the value of sharing both successes and challenges in athletic endeavors.

Takeaways

• Reflection and acceptance of past disappointments
• Setting new goals for redemption and satisfaction Impact of family support on athletic performance
• Mental resilience and perseverance
• Reflection on personal achievements and challenges

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Ironman Texas 2026
• 06:34 Challenges Faced During Ironman Texas 2025
• 12:27 Setting Goals for Ironman Texas 2026
• 19:14 Race Day Preparation and Reservations
• 25:12 Swim Leg and Mental Struggle
• 31:04 Challenging Swim Experience
• 37:20 Motivation to Continue
• 45:33 Race Against Time
• 51:13 Finish Line Experience
• 58:14 Post-Race Challenges

The conversation with Ashley Anderson covers her remarkable journey as a pediatric dentist and accomplished triathlete. It delves into her ability to balance a demanding medical career with a passion for triathlon, the supportive community in the sport, and the Wonder Woman mindset that drives her. Additionally, it explores her involvement with Team Zoot and the logistics of traveling to the Oceanside race. The conversation covers the accessibility and convenience of transportation, race course challenges, and experiences. It delves into the unique aspects of the race course, including riding through a military base, the signature climb, the run course, and the finish line experience. The discussion also reflects on the overall race experience and the significance of rest days in triathlon training.

Takeaways

• Balancing Triathlon and Medical Career
• Community and Support in Triathlon
• The Wonder Woman Mindset Accessibility and convenience of transportation
• Race course challenges and experiences

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Ashley Anderson
• 07:31 Entry into Triathlon and Athletic Background
• 18:23 The Wonder Woman Mindset
• 24:01 Involvement with Team Zoot
• 30:12 Vibe at Oceanside Race
• 36:05 Transportation and Accessibility
• 43:02 Riding Through Military Base
• 51:39 The Run Course and Race Experience
• 56:58 Finish Line and Reflections

In this episode of the Tribe Triathlon Podcast, host John Mayfield sits down with endurance athlete Tom Scheer to share one of the most inspiring stories in triathlon today. From his first sprint race in 2006 to chasing a Guinness World Record for the most 70.3 (Half Ironman) races completed in a single year, Tom’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, consistency, and purpose-driven performance.

Tom opens up about his transformation from a 350-pound pizza shop owner to a Kona finisher and elite endurance athlete, revealing the mindset shifts and daily habits that fueled his success. He also shares the challenges of attempting a world record—balancing family, business ownership, and nonstop racing—while pushing his body and mind to the limit week after week.

This episode goes beyond racing. Tom discusses how his upbringing in the Boys & Girls Club shaped his competitive spirit and why giving back and inspiring others is the true motivation behind his record attempt. You’ll also hear practical advice for new triathletes, including how to build consistency, overcome fear of the swim, and create sustainable training routines.

Whether you're training for your first triathlon, chasing a PR, or looking for motivation to stay consistent, this episode delivers powerful insights and real-world inspiration.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to go from beginner to endurance athlete
• The strategy behind completing multiple 70.3 races in a year
• Tips for building consistency in triathlon training
• The importance of community and mentorship in endurance sports
• How to balance training, career, and family life

If you're a busy athlete chasing big goals, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger and go further.

The conversation covers the impact of stress on the body, the relationship between training stress and adaptation, the importance of recovery and sleep, measuring and managing stress and recovery, and an overview of Ironman 70.3 Texas.

Takeaways

• Finite capacity for stress
• Balancing training stress and recovery

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Stress and its Impact on the Body
• 11:00 Measuring and Managing Stress and Recovery
• 32:26 Ironman 70.3 Texas Overview

The conversation covers the topics of stress, training stress, recovery, measuring stress and recovery, training plan modifications, and an overview of Ironman 70.3 Texas. It also delves into the race course and conditions.

Takeaways

• Understanding the impact of stress on the body
• Balancing training stress and recovery for optimal performance

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Stress
• 06:26 Recovery and Adaptation
• 25:28 Training Plan and Modifications
• 32:26 Ironman 70.3 Texas Overview

What does it really take to become a professional triathlete?

In this episode of the Tribe Triathlon Podcast, Coach John Mayfield sits down with professional triathlete Garrett Mayeaux, who shares his journey from a small-town swimmer and runner to earning his pro triathlon license and racing at the highest level of the sport.

Garrett explains how he first discovered triathlon, competing in college at Texas A&M, and what it took to transition from age group racing to the professional field. He also discusses why many athletes underestimate the challenge of turning pro and what it’s actually like competing against the best triathletes in the world.

The conversation dives deep into triathlon training, injury prevention, recovery strategies, and performance optimization. Drawing on his background as a doctor of chiropractic, Garrett shares insights into common triathlon injuries like IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles issues, along with practical advice on how endurance athletes can stay healthy while training for Ironman and 70.3 races.

You’ll also hear about:

•  The difference between short-course and long-course triathlon
•  Why many athletes transition from Olympic distance to Ironman racing
•  How professional triathletes structure training and recovery 
•  The biggest mistakes age-group triathletes make in training
•  Why recovery, sleep, and training load management are critical for performance 
•  Garrett’s goals for his professional triathlon career

If you’re a triathlete balancing training with career and family, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you train smarter, avoid injuries, and improve performance.

Whether you’re racing your first sprint triathlon or chasing a personal best at Ironman, this conversation offers valuable lessons from an athlete competing at the professional level of the sport.