The REAL Triathlon Podcast

Training peaks analytics and swim data challenges

Race predictions for Lake Placid men's and women's races

Heat training and race day heat management

Cost analysis of triathlon gear and training expenses

Value of training camps and athlete relationships

Dog water fountains and pet health misconceptions

Wasting money on recovery gadgets and trackers

The reality of altitude tents and chambers

The truth about AI coaching and training apps

Race day experiences and athlete stories

Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.

 

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

 

Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership
Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off

 

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

WELL, not all adventures end on a high note but that doesn't mean it was a waste. Challenge ROTH 2026 was quite the event which saw another course record broken, crazy wind another year without wetsuits and of course, tremendous energy. Nick of course did a lot to prepare, however may have missed some notes along the way and of course...ended with the dreaded DNF. What was the cause? He is still working that out with our fellow experts but you can hear ALLLL about it plus our Training Peaks CTL numbers. Thank you to Training Peaks, Pillar Performance and SILCA Velo for supporting this episode.

 

Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.

 

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

 

Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership
Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off

 

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

Join the Real Triathlon crew with guest Ari Klau and coach Jack Kelly for a deep, candid conversation about what it takes to perform at the top level of triathlon. Topics include swim skill vs. fitness and open-water positioning, the value of indoor TT work versus outdoor specificity, how to structure intensity and volume across swim/bike/run, bone-stress and recovery considerations, heat-acclimation strategies, and the psychology of coach selection and athlete compliance. Ari and Jack also discuss recent races (Mont-Tremblant, Oceanside) and goals for Chattanooga and Boise, with behind-the-scenes coaching insights and race tactics. Essential listening for racers and coaches who want practical, pro-level approaches to training, race prep and mental edge. Keywords: triathlon training, Ari Klau, Jack Kelly, swim tactics, time-trial, heat acclimation, coach-athlete relationship.

 

Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.

 

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

 

Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership
Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off

 

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

In this episode, Lisa Becharas shares her recent race experience, training insights, and race day strategies, offering valuable lessons for triathletes aiming for peak performance. We also discuss equipment choices, tapering techniques, and the mental aspects of racing at the highest level. In this episode, we explore a wide range of topics from triathlon training tips, gear preferences, race day rules, to humorous pet peeves and personal stories. Perfect for athletes looking to optimize their performance and enjoy the journey.

 

Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.

 

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

 

Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership
Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off

 

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

Jackson returns from the sidelines sharing his hip recovery story and cautious plan to rebuild running fitness. Nick Chase breaks down his final weeks of Roth prep, long training blocks, and treadmill hacks for VO2 work, while Garrick Loewen checks in on training, ultra-crewing vibes, and baby-watch updates. The trio digs into three essential run sessions every long-course triathlete should do (over/unders, purposefully paced long runs, and short VO2 hill efforts), plus favorite track workouts like “The Michigan,” treadmill tips, and using a foot pod for consistent pacing. They also recap North American racing (Happy Valley), chat World Cup soccer, TV picks, and finish with a fast-paced pass-or-smash segment and crank-spinning gripes.

 

Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.

 

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

 

Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership
Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off

 

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas