Andy Donaldson: Endurance Swimmer Who Swam 200km, Survived Sharks & Found Joy in the Oceans
In this episode of Endurance Matters, world-record ocean swimmer Andy Donaldson opens up with BigMetz about the raw, unfiltered side of ultra-endurance: the night swims, the panic, the doubt, the logistics behind swimming 200 km across seven oceans in one year and the quiet moments where he nearly quit 🧠💥.He shares how open-water swimming saved his mental health, how a 19 km Rottnest crossing rebuilt his confidence, what it’s like to be pushed off course for hours in Molokai, and the calm thinking that got him through his first shark encounter 🦈😨. We also dive deep into his training secrets: cold exposure, ice baths, mobility work, smarter gym sessions, and the tiny 1% habits that fueled a world record.On this Episode, Andy Donaldson breaks down everything: • The moment Molokai nearly broke him mentally 🧠💥 • How open-water swimming saved his mental health • His first shark encounter and how he stayed calm 🦈 • Training for freezing water + 1% habits that matter ❄️🔥 • Why gym durability beats endless miles • How he became the fastest to complete the Ocean Seven 🌍⚡ • The life lessons only the ocean can teachRaw. Honest. Inspiring. If you’re rebuilding, dreaming big, or pushing past your limits — this one is for you 💛🔥.#EnduranceSports #OpenWaterSwimming #UltraEndurance #OceanSeven #ChannelSwimming #MentalHealthJourney #AdventureAthlete #ExtremeSports #SwimLife #ColdWaterTraining #MindsetMatters #Resilience #EnduranceAthlete #MotivationDaily #PodcastClips #Podcast #Triathlon #Ironman✌🏼 - BigMetz
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Justin Metzler: Pro Triathlete, Coach, Podcast Host and "The Pro's Pro"
A breakthrough month of training. A crash that changed everything. An infection that spiraled into emergency surgery. In this episode of Endurance Matters, we sit down with Pro Triathlete and Host Justin "BigMetz" Metzler to unpack the wild swing from “best shape in years” to multiple hospital visits 🏥.From podium-ready to hospital-bound in a flash 😳🏥. In this episode, Justin shares the full story: the crash, the infection, the surgery, and the heartbreaking moment the Ironman Arizona/Kona dream slipped away.We talk: • The Achilles injury that wrecked his confidence 🦵💔 • Sponsors pulling out + the mental spiral that followed • Why forced rest made him faster 🧘♂️⚡ • The emotional trap of hiding injuries • His 365-day rebuild after surgery • And how his dad turned a non-swimmer into a pro at 12 👏🏊♂️Plus the family Ironman relay prediction you won’t believe (yes, it might beat his solo PR) 🚴♂️💨Raw. Honest. Relatable.If you’re chasing a comeback, this one is for you 💛🔥.#ComebackYear #AchillesSurgery #TriathlonRecovery #EnduranceJourney #ProTriathlete #RoadBack #KeepShowingUp #Running #Ironman #Cycling #Swimming ✌🏼 - BigMetzSocial Accounts:BigMetz InstagramBigMetz Coaching Instagram
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Jelle Geens: Ironman 70.3 World Champion and Olympian
We're back! In this motivating episode of the Endurance Matters Podcast, host BigMetz sits down with Jelle Geens - Defending Ironman 70.3 World Champion, Olympic triathlete, World Triathlon Championship Series medalist, and one of the most technically precise middle-distance racers in the sport today. Known for his calm confidence and meticulous attention to detail, Jelle shares how he’s honed his craft through patience, process, and belief in long-term development.Jelle opens up about the highs and lows of elite racing, from representing Belgium on the world stage to navigating setbacks and building back stronger. He offers a rare look into the mindset and daily systems that fuel consistency at the top level.We discuss:- The art of pacing and executing under pressure- Lessons from Olympic-level preparation and world-class coaching- Training smarter: quality vs. quantity in middle-distance racing- Managing injury, recovery, and mental resilience- The value of patience and trust in long-term performance- Staying grounded and motivated through the sport’s ups and downsWhether you’re training for your next triathlon or seeking to master the mental side of competition, Jelle’s story is a powerful reminder that endurance is built as much in the mind as in the miles.✌🏼 - BigMetzSocial Accounts:Jelle Geens Instagram
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Eric Hinman: Building a Life of Endurance & Influence
In this inspiring episode of the Endurance Matters Podcast, BigMetz welcomes Eric Hinman—entrepreneur, 5x Ironman, and influential voice in the fitness and wellness space. Known for blending high-performance endurance training with a vibrant personal brand, Eric shares how he’s built a lifestyle centered around movement, recovery, and community.Eric opens up about his evolution from startup founder to full-time fitness content creator, offering insights into how he stays motivated, structures his day, and maintains authenticity in an often filtered social media world.We discuss:Eric’s daily routine and non-negotiables for peak performanceThe power of building a “training tribe” and communityBalancing fitness, entrepreneurship, and content creationRecovery practices and biohacks that actually workThe mental side of endurance sport and staying consistentCreating meaningful influence in the fitness spaceWhether you're chasing your next Ironman or building your personal brand, Eric’s story will motivate you to take ownership of your lifestyle, health, and impact.✌🏼 - BigMetzThis Episode Is Brought to You By:PRECISION FUEL AND HYDRATIONGet 15% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetzGet a free Fuel & Hydration Plan for your next race 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz-plannerSocial Accounts:Eric Hinman InstagramLISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/EMPitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/EMPspotifyAmazon: https://bit.ly/EMPamazon
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Matt Bottrill: Cycling and Triathlon Performance Coach
In this episode, BigMetz sits down with Matt Botrill—legendary time trialist, national champion, and renowned cycling and triathlon performance coach—to unpack the secrets of going faster. Matt shares his journey from elite racer to high-performance coach, explaining the mindset, training principles, and aerodynamic optimization that separate good athletes from great ones. We cover:Matt’s transition from competitive racing to full-time coachingThe critical role of aerodynamics in time trialing and triathlonHis approach to individualized training plansCommon mistakes endurance athletes make in pacing and bike fitReal-world case studies of athletes gaining significant time through small adjustmentsHow technology and data analysis are transforming endurance coachingWhether you're a cyclist, triathlete, or coach, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights to help you improve your own performance.#ironman #triathlon #enduranceathlete #endurancemindset #swim #bike #runningmotivation #olympics #cycling ✌🏼 - BigMetzThis Episode Is Brought to You By:PRECISION FUEL AND HYDRATIONGet 15% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetzGet a free Fuel & Hydration Plan for your next race 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz-plannerSocial Accounts:Matt Bottrill: https://www.instagram.com/bottrillmatthew/LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/EMPitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/EMPspotifyAmazon: https://bit.ly/EMPamazon
The Endurance Matters Podcast, Hosted by Justin “BigMetz” Metzler, professional triathlete, is the ultimate destination for endurance enthusiasts. Join us as we dive deep into the world of endurance sports, from 5Ks to Ironman triathlons to Ultra Races, and everything in between. Each episode we'll bring you inspiring stories featuring athletes, trailblazers, and members of the endurance community. From the highs to the lows, this podcast will help us explore the limits of human physical and mental performance.
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your endurance journey, Endurance Matters is your go-to source for motivation, education, and entertainment. Tune in, lace up, and let's go the distance together!
South Africa