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.

In this episode of TRIbe Triathlon, John goes over everything you need to know to dial in your race day protocols and build confidence through race simulations, tips for proper tapering, and then highlights from the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Little Elm!  

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Welcome to TRIbe Triathlon. Where long course triathletes come to train smarter, race stronger, and live better. Hosted by John Mayfield, a passionate coach with more than a decade of experience racing and guiding athletes from first-timers to professionals and everyone in between, TRIbe Triathlon is your weekly resource for practical wisdom, grounded strategies, and honest conversations about the sport we love. We dive deep into the science and art of triathlon—from training and recovery to nutrition, mindset, and gear—while keeping sight of what matters most: staying physically and mentally healthy, balancing family and faith, and thriving beyond the finish line. Whether you're chasing a PR or your first IRONMAN finish, join the TRIbe and elevate your long course journey—one episode at a time.

Morning clothes, gear, & personal needs bags and change tents are largely unique to IRONMAN events.  What goes in them?  What do we do with them?  How do we go from swim to bike and then bike to run? In this Episode of TRIbe Triathlon, John goes over everything you need to know when planning for and packing your bags and tips to get through transition like a seasoned veteran! 

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Welcome to TRIbe Triathlon. Where long course triathletes come to train smarter, race stronger, and live better. Hosted by John Mayfield, a passionate coach with more than a decade of experience racing and guiding athletes from first-timers to professionals and everyone in between, TRIbe Triathlon is your weekly resource for practical wisdom, grounded strategies, and honest conversations about the sport we love. We dive deep into the science and art of triathlon—from training and recovery to nutrition, mindset, and gear—while keeping sight of what matters most: staying physically and mentally healthy, balancing family and faith, and thriving beyond the finish line. Whether you're chasing a PR or your first IRONMAN finish, join the TRIbe and elevate your long course journey—one episode at a time.

Not since The Beatles have Americans been more excited for the Brits to come across the pond!  In this Episode of TRIbe Triathlon, John sits down with Andy Blow and Jonny Tye, the leaders of PF&H.  They discuss the newly announced PF&H global hydration partnership with IRONMAN, PH1000 being on all North American race courses, hydration, electrolyte, and nutrition tips, and more!
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Welcome to TRIbe Triathlon. Where long course triathletes come to train smarter, race stronger, and live better. Hosted by John Mayfield, a passionate coach with more than a decade of experience racing and guiding athletes from first-timers to professionals and everyone in between, TRIbe Triathlon is your weekly resource for practical wisdom, grounded strategies, and honest conversations about the sport we love. We dive deep into the science and art of triathlon—from training and recovery to nutrition, mindset, and gear—while keeping sight of what matters most: staying physically and mentally healthy, balancing family and faith, and thriving beyond the finish line. Whether you're chasing a PR or your first IRONMAN finish, join the TRIbe and elevate your long course journey—one episode at a time.
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Catch full video episodes on YouTube, and follow us on social media for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week.

In this episode of Tribe Triathlon, Coach John Mayfield shares expert advice on what to buy — and what to avoid — for smarter triathlon training and racing. Drawing on more than a decade of coaching experience and personal racing insight, John breaks down the gear, investments, and common mistakes that can impact your performance and budget.

Whether you're a beginner triathlete or a seasoned competitor, this episode will help you make confident decisions about triathlon gear, training tools, and race-day preparation. Learn how to maximize performance, save money, and avoid costly mistakes so you can focus on what matters most: getting faster and enjoying the sport.

Your time and money are valuable — follow these proven tips to ensure neither is wasted.

Products mentioned in this episode-
Foggies anti-fog wipes
Stryd Run Power Meter
FORM Smart Goggles
CORE Body Temperature Sensor
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Welcome to TRIbe Triathlon. Where long course triathletes come to train smarter, race stronger, and live better. Hosted by John Mayfield, a passionate coach with more than a decade of experience racing and guiding athletes from first-timers to professionals and everyone in between, TRIbe Triathlon is your weekly resource for practical wisdom, grounded strategies, and honest conversations about the sport we love. We dive deep into the science and art of triathlon—from training and recovery to nutrition, mindset, and gear—while keeping sight of what matters most: staying physically and mentally healthy, balancing family and faith, and thriving beyond the finish line. Whether you're chasing a PR or your first IRONMAN finish, join the TRIbe and elevate your long course journey—one episode at a time.
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Catch full video episodes on YouTube, and follow us on social media for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week.