If you’ve been scrolling endurance social media and wondering why everyone is suddenly pushing sleds and throwing wall balls, this episode is for you. Coaches April Spilde and Lauren Brown break down the HYROX phenomenon—what it is, why it’s growing so fast, and why runners, cyclists, and triathletes are jumping in. We compare HYROX to traditional endurance sports, discuss the stations that shock first‑time athletes, and explain why endurance fitness translates surprisingly well to this hybrid racing format. Plus, Coach Lauren shares what training for her first HYROX Doubles race has taught her about pacing, strength, and durability.

This episode of the Grit2Greatness Endurance Podcast is brought to you by Vespa Power.  Less sugar. Higher performance. Faster recovery.

Vespa Power Endurance helps athletes tap into steady, clean energy by optimizing fat metabolism and reducing reliance on sugar and glycogen. Vespa isn’t fuel—it’s a metabolic catalyst that helps you stay strong, focused, and durable in training and racing.

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Grit2Greatness Links & Resources

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HYROX Explained: Endurance Meets the Sled

In Episode #543 of the Grit2Greatness Endurance Podcast, Coaches Rich Soares and April Spilde break down why Boulder is one of the most misunderstood and execution‑heavy races on the IRONMAN 70.3 calendar. This is a thinking athlete’s race—where small mistakes stack up fast under altitude, heat, and patience‑testing terrain.

We dive into the real reasons athletes DNF at Boulder, including:

 * Overbiking relative to altitude
 * Underfueling when effort feels “easy”
 * Heat and hydration mismanagement
 * Swim anxiety and disrupted breathing
 * Aggressive early run pacing
 * Missed bike lap cutoffs
 * Ignoring early warning signs

You’ll learn how to race Boulder with restraint, patience, and intention—so you’re still strong when it matters most.

We also debut a new fun segment: “Death, Taxes… or DNF?”—calling out the most predictable race‑day mistakes we see every year.

If you’re racing Boulder 70.3—or any altitude event—this episode is your race‑proofing checklist.

This episode is brought to you by Vespa Power Endurance.

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#543 Death to DNF: Why Boulder 70.3 Is a Thinking Athlete’s Race

Fueling is one of the most misunderstood—and most performance‑limiting—parts of endurance training.

In Episode #542 of the Grit2Greatness Endurance Podcast, Coaches Rich Soares and Lauren Brown break down why so many endurance athletes train hard, follow the plan, and still underperform on race day. More often than not, the problem isn’t fitness—it’s fueling.

In this episode, we cover:

 * The most common fueling mistakes endurance athletes make in training and racing
 * Why “eating clean” does not automatically mean fueling well
 * How underfueling quietly sabotages performance, recovery, and long‑term durability
 * Why short‑course racing still punishes poor fueling
 * How to plan fueling instead of reacting when it’s already too late

Using real race‑day examples from supersprint to long‑course events, we connect fueling decisions directly to pacing, performance, injury risk, and consistency—so athletes can stop guessing and start fueling with intention.

Whether you’re a triathlete, cyclist, runner, or endurance athlete of any kind, this episode will help you understand how to fuel the work you want your body to absorb.

🎯 Free Fueling Resource

Grab our Fueling Audit & Checklist—designed to help you identify gaps and build a simple, effective fueling strategy.
👉 Visit Grit2Greatness Endurance Coaching [https://grit2greatnessendurance.com/] and head to the Free Guide page.

🔥 Sponsor: Vespa Power

This episode is brought to you by Vespa Power Endurance.

Vespa Power helps you tap into steady, clean energy—so you stay strong, focused, and in the zone longer. Vespa is not fuel, but a metabolic catalyst that helps your body rely more on fat and less on glycogen.

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Available in CV‑25, Junior, and Concentrate.

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#542 — Fueling for Performance

In this episode of the Grit2Greatness Endurance Podcast, Coaches April Spilde and Kristen Overton take over the mic to go full dirt-mode on all things XTERRA triathlon.

Part 1 breaks down what XTERRA actually is, how it differs from traditional road triathlon, who it’s for, and how athletes should start training for off‑road racing — including mountain bike skills, trail running, open‑water swimming, gear choices that matter, and the biggest mistakes new XTERRA athletes make.

In Part 2, Kristen flips the script and interviews April as she prepares to race the XTERRA North American Championships, diving into race prep, expectations, mindset, and what success looks like on championship day.

The episode wraps with a fun and brutally accurate segment, “Send It or Send Help,” highlighting the many personalities you’ll find on an XTERRA start line.

Sponsor – Vespa Power Ad Read:
Vespa Power Endurance helps athletes tap into steady, clean energy so they can stay strong, focused, and in the zone longer. Vespa is not fuel — it’s a metabolic catalyst that helps your body burn more fat and spare glycogen during endurance efforts.

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#541 — X North American Championships

Colorado’s Ride has become one of the most respected multi‑day cycling events in the country—and preparation is everything. In Episode #540 of the Grit2Greatness Endurance Podcast, Coaches Rich Soares and Kristen Overton welcome Bill Plock, director of Colorado’s Ride, to break down what makes this event special and how athletes can prepare more intelligently.

We dive into course demands, elevation realities, pacing discipline, and why virtual, coach‑led pre‑rides are a game‑changer for confidence and execution. Plus, we introduce Velocity for Colorado’s Ride, a 12‑week virtual training experience built specifically for the five days of riding.

If Colorado’s Ride is on your calendar—or your bucket list—this episode will help you show up prepared, calm, and ready to ride strong.

Show Sponsor: Vespa Power – optimizing your fat metabolism for higher performance and faster recovery.

Less sugar. Higher performance. Faster recovery.

Home of Vespa Power Products | Optimizing Your Fat Metabolism [https://vespapower.com/]

Use discount code - 303endurance20

Grit2Greatness Endurance Coaching – your path to smarter training and better results.

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Subscribe to the podcast - Grit2Greatness Endurance - Podcast - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grit2greatness-endurance/id1508563057]

#540 Colorado’s Ride: Train Smarter with Virtual Pre‑Rides & Velocity

In this episode of the Grit2Greatness Endurance Podcast, we dive into one of the toughest challenges endurance athletes face: the mental game of injury. When training is limited and timelines are uncertain, fear, frustration, and identity struggles can take over. Using real coaching examples, we break down practical mental skills to help athletes stay engaged, grounded, and purpose‑driven while their body heals. We also share Grit2Greatness announcements, an Ask A Coach segment, and wrap up with a fun Buy, Sell, or Hold discussion.

Show Sponsor: Vespa Power
Optimizing your fat metabolism for higher performance and faster recovery.
Less sugar. Higher performance. Faster recovery.
Home of Vespa Power Products | Optimizing Your Fat Metabolism
Use discount code: g2gvespa15
Link: https://vespapower.com/coupon/g2gvespa15/

Grit2Greatness Endurance Coaching — your path to smarter training and better results.

Website: Grit2Greatness Endurance Coaching
Facebook: @grit2greatnessendurance
Instagram: @grit2greatness_endurance

Grit2Greatness Ambassador Application:
https://forms.gle/mQjPbyzjAmmBhM6m9

Become a Grit2Greatness Team Member:
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Subscribe to the podcast:
Grit2Greatness Endurance - Podcast - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grit2greatness-endurance/id1508563057]

#539 Training the Mind While the Body Heals

Feature interview with Melissa Forziat, exploring the powerful “Take the Doughnut” mindset and how endurance athletes can recognize opportunity, prepare intentionally, and act before they feel ready. Melissa shares insights from working inside elite international sport and now spotlighting athletes chasing long‑term dreams. The episode also includes Grit2Greatness announcements, a Get Gritty Tip, Workout of the Week, and the fun segment Glazed & Confused. Show Sponsor: Vespa Power Endurance. Ask A Coach Sponsor: Vespa Power Endurance.

THE JOURNEY TO LA series:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjb4Csi9PhI5ahAFZ9NCFCzB58qJau2oW

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@takethedoughnut

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaforz/

Show Sponsor: Vespa Power – optimizing your fat metabolism for higher performance and faster recovery.

Less sugar. Higher performance. Faster recovery.

Home of Vespa Power Products | Optimizing Your Fat Metabolism [https://vespapower.com/]

Use discount code - 303endurance20

Grit2Greatness Endurance Coaching – your path to smarter training and better results.

Website - Grit2Greatness Endurance Coaching [https://grit2greatnessendurance.com/]

Facebook - @grit2greatnessendurance [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569442622087]

Instagram - @grit2greatness_endurance [https://www.instagram.com/grit2greatness_endurance/]

Grit2Greatness Ambassador Application: https://forms.gle/mQjPbyzjAmmBhM6m9

Grit2Greatness Become a Team Member: Getting Started with Grit2Greatness - Google Forms [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ID3eHh_9lieVVsjVaMddXlKZd64lySPZTsGW3EIyJNE/edit]

Subscribe to the podcast - Grit2Greatness Endurance - Podcast - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grit2greatness-endurance/id1508563057]

#538 Take the Doughnut — Going After Opportunity in Sport and Life with Melissa Forziat

Lindsay Holmes joins the Grit2Greatness Endurance Podcast on the eve of IRONMAN Texas, the first U.S. IRONMAN of the season and the North American Championships, to share her powerful triathlon journey, lessons from 14 IRONMAN finishes, and what keeps her motivated through setbacks, DNFs, and big goals. Coaches Rich Soares and Kristin Overton also cover announcements, a Get Gritty mindset moment, race‑week reflections, and a fun “Would You Rather… IRONMAN Texas Edition” segment. This episode is fueled by Vespa Power, helping endurance athletes unlock steady energy and stronger performance.

Show Sponsor / Get Gritty Sponsor: Vespa Power
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Subscribe to the podcast - Grit2Greatness Endurance - Podcast - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grit2greatness-endurance/id1508563057]

#537 Lindsay Holmes IMTX: What 14 IRONMANs Teach You About Grit

USA Cycling Paracycling Nationals takes center stage as Coaches Rich Soares and Lauren Brown go inside championship weekend in Bentonville, Arkansas with nationally accomplished paracyclists Mike Murphy and Justin Mathers. This episode explores what makes paracycling racing unique, how athletes prepare for national-level competition, and why success goes far beyond podium results. You’ll also hear Grit2Greatness announcements, an expert Get Gritty Tip, championship mindset insights, and practical takeaways for endurance athletes and coaches alike. Show Sponsor: Vespa Power Endurance. Ask A Coach Sponsor: Vespa Power Endurance.

Show Sponsor: Vespa Power – optimizing your fat metabolism for higher performance and faster recovery.

Less sugar. Higher performance. Faster recovery.

Home of Vespa Power Products | Optimizing Your Fat Metabolism [https://vespapower.com/]

Use discount code - 303endurance20

Ask A Coach Sponsor: Grit2Greatness Endurance Coaching – your path to smarter training and better results.

Website - Grit2Greatness Endurance Coaching [https://grit2greatnessendurance.com/]

Facebook - @grit2greatnessendurance [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569442622087]

Instagram - @grit2greatness_endurance [https://www.instagram.com/grit2greatness_endurance/]

Grit2Greatness Ambassador Application: https://forms.gle/mQjPbyzjAmmBhM6m9

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Subscribe to the podcast - Grit2Greatness Endurance - Podcast - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grit2greatness-endurance/id1508563057]

#536 Championship Mindset, Strategy, and Resilience

Victory After the Cutoff centers on a powerful feature interview with age‑group triathlete Chris Sjothun, whose race at IRONMAN 70.3 Texas ended at the swim cutoff—but sparked a much bigger conversation about resilience, mindset, and redefining success. Coaches Rich Soares and April Spilde unpack what it means to show up fully when things don’t go as planned, alongside Grit2Greatness announcements, a Get Gritty Tip woven through the mindset discussion, Workout of the Week themes around consistency, and a fun April Fools–themed segment that separates endurance myths from real performance science. Show Sponsor: Vespa Power Endurance. Ask A Coach Sponsor: Not featured in this episode.

Show Sponsor: Vespa Power – optimizing your fat metabolism for higher performance and faster recovery.

Less sugar. Higher performance. Faster recovery.

Home of Vespa Power Products | Optimizing Your Fat Metabolism [https://vespapower.com/]

Use discount code - 303endurance20

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Subscribe to the podcast - Grit2Greatness Endurance - Podcast - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grit2greatness-endurance/id1508563057]

#535 Victory After the Cutoff with Chris Sjothun

Coaches Rich Soares and April Spilde host the 303Endurance Podcast and bring the community of endurance athletes together with inspiring interviews, coaching advice, get gritty tips, workouts and fun every week.

303 Endurance Podcast

The Grit2Greatness Podcast mission is to is to create a global community of endurance athletes. To inspire participation in endurance sports by connecting you to coaches, experts and fellow athletes.

Grit2Greatness Endurance

Your ultimate source for endurance inspiration, training insights, and performance strategies. Each week, we dive into the habits, mindset, and science that help athletes go from gritty goals to great results. Whether you’re chasing your first finish line or your next PR, you’ll find practical tips, expert interviews, and real stories from the endurance community. Tune in for actionable advice on running, cycling, swimming, and triathlon—plus the motivation to keep pushing when it matters most.

Rich

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