The REAL Triathlon Podcast

This week on The Real Triathlon Podcast, the crew is joined by Ben Kanute fresh off a 2nd place finish at IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas Little Elm, a race defined by a shortened swim, brutal winds, and plenty of chaos.

Ben dives into what it actually felt like racing in those conditions, how time-trial starts change the dynamic of a race, and why pros need to rethink how they talk about performance.

The conversation gets deep into:

The reality of bike power vs speed (and why chasing watts might be holding you back)

How aero, efficiency, and race execution matter more than big numbers

The danger of “if-then excuses” in race recaps

Bike safety, race logistics, and the risks athletes face on open roads

Plus, things get weird (as always) with:

Wind riding excuses vs bike handling reality

IV drips during races (??)

Probiotic sodas, hot tub etiquette, and drive-thru patience

And a classic Pass or Smash segment

It’s equal parts high-level performance insight and absolute chaos with one of the most experienced athletes in the sport.

 

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!

 

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

This week on The Real Triathlon Podcast, Garrick Loewen, Jackson Laundry, and Nicholas Chase break down an absolutely wild Ironman New Zealand, including Trevor Foley’s huge win, Matt Hanson’s massive performance, Kyle Smith’s aggressive race, and what the new 20-meter draft rule could mean for the rest of the season.

They also dive into the women’s race with Kat Matthews’ dominant showing.

Then things take a turn into classic RTP territory with a conversation on sleep habits, recovery, relationships, race nutrition, Maurten Bicarb, cracked phone screens, courtesy flushes, and the debut of Nicholas Chase’s new segment: “Have You Ever Wondered?”

It’s race analysis, triathlon banter, and absolute nonsense in the way only this podcast can deliver.

The Real Triathlon crew — Lisa Becharas, Jackson Laundry, Garrick Loewen, and Nicholas Chase — reunite to talk training load, how to know when to back off, the mental side of recovery, and practical tips for niggles and nutrition. They preview the season openers (Ironman New Zealand, Dallas 70.3 and other early races), debate flying vs. driving to races, equipment trends, and the growing pro start lists. Plus the usual Pass or Smash, Grinds My Gears, and chat about taxes, pool etiquette, and public transit. Honest, funny, and straight-from-the-coach insights for racers and fans.

In this episode of The Real Triathlon Podcast, the original trio is back—Jackson, Nicholas, and Garrick—catching up on sick weeks, conference travel in Nashville, and nagging injuries before diving into how to actually train smart in February and March. They break down:

How hard you should be training now if your key races are months away

The right mix of volume vs. intensity for age-groupers and pros

Using swim sessions for “safe” suffering and open-water prep in the pool

Brick training: how much you really need and when to do it

Why zone 2 alone won’t make you fast (and where hard VO2/threshold work fits in)

Fueling like a pro: eating enough to actually support 25–30 hour weeks

They wrap up with “Pass or Smash” (protein shakes, wired headphones, leftovers, jet skis, and more) and “What Spins My Crank,” including Valtteri Bottas’ YouTube, Ironman’s move to YouTube coverage, and the mental boost of finally hitting good workouts after a rough patch.

 

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!

 

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

All four hosts are back for a chaotic, honest catch‑up on what it really looks like trying to train and race at a high level when your body, your bike, and life won’t fully cooperate. 

Nick and Lisa commiserate about how brutal the transition back to the TT bike can be, how to know when it’s time to tell your coach a session isn’t working, and why short doses of high intensity might be smarter than forcing “hero” intervals. Lisa breaks down the true financial and time cost of an injury—MRIs, PT, long drives, missed races—and Jackson adds what lost race income looks like when a season gets derailed. 

They also dive into: 

The hidden cost of sickness and why this winter feels extra savage

Whether long-course triathlon is even “broadcastable” and what coverage should look like

Hiding your power on Strava: fair game or pointless secrecy?

A rapid-fire “Pass or Smash” on papaya, snow, tubeless tire installs, snot rockets on the trainer, and saying “bruh”

Nick’s “what grinds my gears” rant featuring barking dogs, groceries, social media, and non‑waxed chains

Plus, the crew talks sleep, magnesium, and small habits that might actually keep you healthy enough to race.

 

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!

 

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