We catch up on the racing and news from the weekend.

We bring Kiwi Professional Triathlete Kyle Smith back to the show after his recent 4th place at the T100 in San Francisco. Kyle reflects on his personal growth over the last few years plus the challenges he’s faced around health, particularly related to mould exposure and how these issues impacted his performance.

We also discuss the evolution and changes in middle distance racing and the importance of maintaining the balance between training and adequate recovery during the pressures of a much longer racing season. The importance of perspective, the awareness of the risks of overtraining and the need for athletes to find their own path in a competitive environment are now key to athletic success.

(0:00:00) - Tim’s in France so Jack Moody is hosting this week.

(0:04:30) - Infinit Nutrition prize pack

(0:06:38) - Plasmaide

(0:12:28) - Jack’s code JACKM10

(0:13:08) - We review the racing from the weekend

(0:29:07) - Kyle Smith

(1:24:33) – Heat adaptation

LINKS:

Follow Jack Moody on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jacktmoody/

Follow Kyle Smith on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/kylesmithnzl/

Plasmaide at https://plasmaide.com.au/

Infinit Nutrition at https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/

T100 Triathlon at https://t100triathlon.com/

#621 - Kyle Smith

We catch up on all the racing and news from the weekend.

We bring Dr Jeff Rothschild of the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) back to the show to talk about the science behind fuelling for endurance sports. The discussion focuses on the daily energy requirements for athletes and the evolving perspectives on carbohydrate diets in endurance performance. We cover carbohydrate intake strategies, the science surrounding carbohydrate loading and the importance of electrolyte balance leading into events.

Additionally, insights into current research perspectives in sports nutrition and the necessity of proper fueling for training are explored, emphasizing the need for athletes to understand their individual nutritional needs to maximize training outcomes.

(0:03:18) – Tri news and race reviews

(0:36:17) – Dr Jeff Rothschild

LINKS:

More about Jeff Rothschild at https://www.aut.ac.nz/student-profiles/jeff-rothschild

#620 - Dr Jeff Rothschild

We catch up on all the racing and news from the weekend.

Dr Michael Rosenblat completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Exercise Science at The University of Toronto, a Master of Science (MSc) in Physiotherapy at McMaster University  and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Kinesiology at The University of Guelph. He is also a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with a Specialization in High Performance.

In our chat with Dr. Michael Rosenblat we discuss his recent work on training intensity distribution and its impact on endurance performance. He reflects on his journey in sports science, the importance of statistical analysis and the need for collaboration in research. The conversation delves into the findings of a network meta-analysis that compares different training intensity models and their effects on VO2 max and time trial performance, highlighting the significance of individual participant data in drawing meaningful conclusions. 

We discuss the relationship between coaching and sports science and explore the differences in training intensity requirements for recreational versus competitive athletes, the importance of periodization in training models and the nuances of VO2 peak and time trial performance. Additionally, the conversation delves into the significance of understanding thresholds in training and the need for further research in sports science to better inform coaching practices.

(0:04:34) – Tri news and race reviews

(0:09:39) – IM703 Sunshine Coast free race entry competition.

(0:28:27) – Dr Michael Rosenblat

LINKS:

Our previous interview with Dr Rosenblat at https://www.fitter.co.nz/fitter-radio/2021/8/30/episode-383-dr-michael-rosenblat

Which Training Intensity Distribution Intervention Will Produce the Greatest Improvements in Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Time-Trial Performance in Endurance Athletes? Study at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39888556/

Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Sprint Interval Training on Time-Trial Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Study at  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32034701/

More about Dr Rosenblat at https://www.evidencebasedcoaching.ca/

IM703 Sunshine Coast at https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-sunshine-coast

#619 - Dr Michael Rosenblat

We catch up on all the racing and news from the weekend.

We share an excerpt from the World Triathlon Podcast intervew with Alex Yee post his attempt to test himself over the marathon distance at the London Marathon.

(0:01:50) – Bev joins Training Peaks Virtual

(0:05:26) – We review all the racing from the weekend.

(0:43:03) – Alex Yee – is there an IRONMAN in his future 

(0:46:12) – Excerpt from the World Triathlon Podcast 

(1:09.00) – Hayden Wilde update

LINKS:

World Triathlon Podcast with Alex Yee at https://triathlon.org/news/world-triathlon-podcast-with-alex-yee-marathon-man

#618 - A Weekend of Racing. Alex Yee.

We catch up on all the racing and news from IRONMAN 70.3 St George at the weekend.

Bev chats to Steve Allende, Co-Founder and CEO of Plasmaide. We discuss the company's involvement in the triathlon community, particularly with elite athletes like Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden. Steve shares insights into the unique competition that Plasmaide are offering to age group athletes, which offers an opportunity to train with  Kristian and Gustav in Font Rumeu in France and receive physiological testing from Dr Alison Heather. The conversation highlights the benefits of Plasmaide's products, the importance of evidence-based supplements and the exciting future developments for the brand.

(0:03:15) – Hayden Wilde injuries update

(0:08:04) – Will Anne Haug be in Roth?

(0:11:44) – IRONMAN 70.3 St George race review 

(0:31:32) – Plasmaide competition

(0:35:58) – Steve Allende of Plasmaide

LINKS:

Plasmaide at https://plasmaide.com.au/

Live Feisty podcast at https://livefeisty.com/podcasts/feistytriathlon/ironman-goes-backwards-special-world-champs-episode/

Plasmaide competition at  https://plasmaide.com.au/pages/prostrainingcomp

#617 - Steve Allende, Co-Founder and CEO of Plasmaide.

We catch up on the tri news and racing from the weekend and give our thoughts on the announcement that the IM World Champs is moving back to Kona.

Alison Heather is a former academic professor whose research has focused for over 24 years’ on the physiology of steroid hormones and their role in health and disease. She has international recognition for her development of bioassays for the detection of steroid hormones. Alison acts as an advisor to many High Performance Sport Teams including those focusing on female athlete health, triathlon, cycling, running and sports supplements and is currently the Chief Scientific Officer for plasmaide

In this conversation, we discuss the supplement Plasmaide, its origins and its benefits for athletes. Dr Heather explains the science behind nitric oxide production, the ingredients in Plasmaide and how it compares to other supplements like beetroot juice. The discussion covers both acute and chronic benefits of Plasmaide, its adaptogenic properties and its influence on carbohydrate metabolism. Dr. Heather also provides practical advice for using Plasmaide safely and effectively, emphasizing the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

(0:00:00) – A weekend of bike crashes

(0:09:22) – T100 goes to the Gold Coast in 2026

(0:15:51) – The racing from IM703 Venice and IRONMAN Australia 

(0:24:16) – IRONMAN World Champs moves back to Kona

(0:40:05) – Dr Alison Heather intro

(0:41:38) – Dr Alison Heather

LINKS:

Dr Alison Heather at https://www.insitugen.com/

Plasmaide at https://plasmaide.com.au/

Live Feisty podcast at https://livefeisty.com/podcasts/feistytriathlon/ironman-goes-backwards-special-world-champs-episode/

Pro Tri News podcast at https://protrinews.buzzsprout.com/1736374/episodes/17067560-episode-217-kona-is-back-with-ironman-ceo-scott-derue

2025 Oceania Triathlon Super-Sprint Championships Runaway Bay at  https://triathlon.org/events/2025-oceania-triathlon-super-sprint-championships-

#616 - Prof Alison Heather on Plasmaide.

We discuss the tri news and review all the racing from the weekend including IRONMAN Texas, Challenge Taiwan and Challenge Gran Canaria.

New Zealand blackcurrants have been show to have an impact on endurance performance. We chat to Dr Sam Shepherd to find out more.

(0:02:11) – This week IRONMAN Australia Port Macquarie

(0:02:50) – Hayden Wilde on a WTCS start list

(0:09:41) – Ultro Audio earbuds competition 

(0:10:27) – Challenge races from the weekend

(0:16:23) – IRONMAN Texas race review

(0:39:13) – Intro to supplements for performance

(0:45:48) – Dr Sam Shepherd

LINKS:

More about CurraNZ at https://curranz.com/

IRONMAN Texas at https://www.ironman.com/races/im-texas

Ultro Audio Earbuds at  https://www.ultroaudio.com

#615 - IRONMAN Texas Race Review. Performance Enhancing Supplements.

The LA 2028 Olympics has seen changes to the original venue plan, we discuss the potential impact on triathlon.

We review the start list at IRONMAN Texas

George Gilbert is the VP of Virtual Platforms at TrainingPeaks - he designed, built and brought to market TrainingPeaks Virtual, a new and innovative online cycling application that is defining the future of virtual sport. Tim chats to George Gilbert, about the unique features of the platform designed specifically for cyclists, emphasizing the importance of delivering an experience that includes tactical racing and performance verification. George explains how the platform ensures credibility in athletic performance and the onboarding process for athletes. They also touch on the seamless integration with Training Peaks, the customization options available for users and the importance of community feedback in shaping future developments.

Training data – have we become too obsessed with the numbers.

(0:01:43) – Change of venue at Olympic Games

(0:08:28) – IRONMAN Texas

(0:18:70) – Training Peaks Virtual intro 

(0:21:38) – George Gilbert, Training Peaks

(0:49:24) – Technostress 

LINKS:

Training Peaks Virtual at https://www.trainingpeaks.com/virtual/

IRONMAN Texas at https://www.ironman.com/races/im-texas

#614 - George Gilbert. Technostress. IM Texas

We share an interview from the World Triathlon podcast with Paris 2024 Olympic Triathlon Champion Cassandre Beaugrand! It is a deeply honest chat revealing a little more about just where all the grit, determination and competitive spirit that has taken the 27-year-old to the very top of the sport came from.

Charlotte McLauchlan is a Master's student in nutrition and dietetics at Auckland University. In this chat with Bevan she discusses her research on fueling strategies for long-distance triathletes. Charlotte highlights the lack of research in this area, particularly for amateur athletes, and the barriers to accessing proper nutrition education. Charlotte shares her personal experiences with nutrition, body image and the psychological aspects of eating, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care. She also outlines her upcoming study aimed at assessing the nutritional status of triathletes in New Zealand, inviting participants to contribute to this important research.

(0:01:19) – Sweet Cheeks

(0:05:41) – Cassandre Beaugrand intro

(0:10:16) – Cassandre Beaugrand on the World Triathlon podcast 

(0:27:36) – Lionel Sanders, confidence and nutrition

(0:32:12) – Nutrition study for New Zealand triathletes

(0:36:00) – Charlotte McLauchlan

LINKS:

The World Triathlon Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-world-triathlon-podcast/id1517199963

Charlotte McLauchlan can be contacted by email at cmcl126@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Sweet Cheeks at https://www.sweetcheeksnz.co.nz/

#613 - Confidence, Nutrition and the Mind

We catch up on the racing from IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside and the T100 Singapore 

Tim chats to Gordo Byrn, a former private equity investment banker, Gordo metamorphosed into an elite ultra-endurance athlete, a student of human performance and an endurance coach. He’s also the co-author of the endurance bible Going Long [https://www.amazon.com/Going-Long-Triathlons-Challenge-Multisport/dp/1934030066?crid=1OI9RS77U23XP&keywords=GOING+LONG&qid=1666616374&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjQ4IiwicXNhIjoiMi4zNSIsInFzcCI6IjIuNjQifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=going+long%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=ricroloffweb-20&linkId=72321e9f10dccb5c20026efe8eff1c09&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl]—an incredible resource for any and all athletes seeking to better understand and apply the principles of endurance.

In Part 2 of our chat with Gordo we share insights on optimizing training for endurance athletes, emphasizing the importance of consistency, tailored workouts for specific race types and the value of low-key races as training opportunities. Gordo discusses innovative training techniques that keep workouts engaging and effective, particularly for busy athletes looking to maximize their performance without overtraining. Plus we discuss the significance of strategic planning in training blocks and the benefits of maintaining a fun and flexible approach to endurance training.

(0:00:00) – Xterra Rotorua

(0:06:26) – Mooloolaba Triathlon

(0:07:19) – Rob Hill 

(0:21:55) – Gordo Byrn intro

(0:24:33) – Gordo Byrn Part 2

(0:44:11) – IM703 Oceanside review

(0:55:14) – T100 Singapore review 

LINKS:

Xterra Rotorua at https://www.xterraplanet.com/event/xterra-rotorua-festival

Follow Gordo Byrn at https://substack.com/@feelthebyrn

T100 Singapore at https://t100triathlon.com/singapore/pro/

IROMAN 70.3 Oceanside at https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-oceanside

Rob Hill of Hill Top Coaching at https://hilltopcoaching.com.au/about/rob-hill/

Mooloolaba Triathlon at https://mooloolabatri.com.au/

#612 - Gordo Byrn Part 2. Race reviews from IM703 Oceanside and T100 Singapore.

Hosted by Coach Bevan McKinnon and Nutritionist Mikki Williden, both elite athletes and coaches within their respective fields. Fitter Radio brings together their shared passion and knowledge of triathlon, running, nutrition and basically all things endurance! Listen to the latest research, interviews with pro athletes and leading experts to help you improve your sports performance and your health!

Fitter Radio Triathlon Podcast