Trust the Process Triathlon Podcast

Mike Ricci, USA Triathlon Coach of the Year

Trust the Process is brought to you by D3 Multisport based in Boulder, CO. Each week we'll dive into triathlon topics through interviews with highly regarded triathlon coaches, age-group athletes, and industry experts within triathlon. D3 was founded in 2000 by USA Triathlon Coach of the Year, Mike Ricci. D3 was one of the first online coaching companies in the sport of triathlon. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/d3-mikericci/support

read less
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

Strength Training for Triathletes: Coach Chris Lee
Today
Strength Training for Triathletes: Coach Chris Lee
D3 Coach Mike Ricci Interviews Chris Lee of Kinesis integrated Performance. Chris has a long history of working with Olympic level triathletes, Ironman athletes, Ultra runners, and podium finishers of the Boston Marathon. We discuss how much and how often a triathlete should strength train along with how to train around a race, and the key exercises every triathlete should be doing! TakeawaysStrength training is important for endurance athletes and can help improve performance.The minimum effective dose for strength training is two times a week, but three times a week can be beneficial for some athletes.Strength tapering should start around eight weeks before a race, with a gradual decrease in volume and intensity.During tapering, the focus is on maintaining base strength, modifying as needed, and mitigating injuries.Strength training can be beneficial for recovery after a race, but the volume and intensity should be reduced to avoid muscle soreness and damage. Strength training is crucial for both long-distance and short-distance endurance athletes.During race season, it is important to focus on strength retention and maintain a balance between training and recovery.As we age, strength training becomes even more important for maintaining mobility, strength, and bone health.The app discussed in the conversation aims to make strength training more accessible and personalized for endurance athletes.Sound Bites"I can get faster at this, right?""People still don't understand how important strength training is""We're playing with the endocrine system more so than anything else.""There is too strong. You don't need to be that strong."Chapters00:00Introduction and Background06:54Effective Strength Training Frequency for Endurance Athletes14:55Tapering Strength Training for Race Preparation30:31Introducing an App for Personalized Strength TrainingExercises all triathletes should do:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmHO9ztKu7Uhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GftYHNNA3lshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1BO7ynQJmIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tyjf5zusMUshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE0M-t56_EE
Kevin Hester: Racing in Boulder, at Altitude for the First Time
May 16 2024
Kevin Hester: Racing in Boulder, at Altitude for the First Time
Mike Ricci interviews ‍Kevin Hester, a triathlete from Canada. Kevin shares his experience racing at altitude at Boulder 70.3 triathlon in Colorado. He discusses his training background, his goals for future races, and his favorite race distance. Kevin talks about the challenges of racing at altitude and the impact it had on his swim, bike, and run. He also shares his emotional moments during the race and the support he received from his family. Kevin offers advice for athletes racing at altitude and emphasizes the importance of taking it seriously. He concludes by discussing his recovery after the race and his plans for future races.TakeawaysRacing at altitude can be more challenging than expected, especially on the run.Hydration and electrolyte balance are crucial when racing at altitude.Listening to your body and adjusting your effort level is important to manage the effects of altitude.The support and encouragement from family and coaches can make a significant impact on race day.Recovery after racing at altitude may take a few days, but it varies for each individual.Sound Bites"The run was a disaster. Oh my gosh.""I just lost it.""I always get emotional at the end of a race."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:04 Racing at Altitude and Favorite Distance09:02 Preparing for Altitude and Race Day Experience20:13 Emotional Moments and Support25:08 Advice for Racing at Altitude and Recovery‍--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/d3-mikericci/support
National Champions: University of Colorado Women's Triathlon Team
May 2 2024
National Champions: University of Colorado Women's Triathlon Team
SummaryThe conversation features Coach KJ and members of the CU Buffaloes women's triathlon team discussing their experience at the National Championship. They talk about the challenges of the race, the team's performance, and the importance of having fun while competing. The team had a strong showing, with several athletes finishing in the top 10. They also won the Spirit Award, showcasing their positive team culture. The conversation highlights the team's dedication, camaraderie, and the impact of their coaches. The CU Buffaloes women's triathlon team had a successful performance at the National Championship, with several athletes finishing in the top 10.The team's positive team culture and focus on having fun contributed to their success.The coaches played a crucial role in supporting and motivating the athletes.The team's dedication and camaraderie were evident throughout the race.Winning the Spirit Award showcased the team's positive energy and enthusiasm.The Impact of Coaches on the Team's PerformanceBalancing Fun and Performance: The Key to SuccessQuotes: "We won it! Yeah. It was awesome.""The culture. There was just a huge shift this year. And I think we had all the pieces. We were just missing that one piece that was KJ and it just worked so well.""The numbers, right? Like that rising tide floats all boats. So I mean, it's just that energy that brings everybody up and that's really cool. That's special, that's special."AI show notes are experimental. Did you find them useful?TitlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction and Reflection on Nationals08:49Coach KJ's Experience and Surprises at Nationals15:19Lily's Race Experience and Team Performance--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/d3-mikericci/support
Ali O'Donnell's Story of Becoming a Professional Xterra Triathlete
Apr 19 2024
Ali O'Donnell's Story of Becoming a Professional Xterra Triathlete
In this conversation, professional triathlete Ali O'Donnell discusses her journey from being a road triathlete to transitioning to XTERRA and becoming a professional triathlete. She talks about her first professional race in Athens, Greece, and the qualification process for the XTERRA World Championships. Ali also shares her experience of transitioning from soccer to running in high school and her decision to join the triathlon team at CU Boulder. She discusses the challenges she faced in the early stages of her triathlon career, including body image issues and the pressure to perform. Ali also reflects on her time at CU Boulder, including winning the national championship in 2017. Ali shares her experience of transitioning from collegiate triathlon to professional Xterra racing. She talks about her journey, including her first Xterra race, qualifying for Xterra Worlds, and the challenges she faced along the way. Ali discusses the mental and emotional aspects of becoming a professional athlete and the excitement of traveling and racing in different locations. She also shares a challenging race experience where she had to overcome illness and push through to the finish line. Ali emphasizes the importance of having a strong why and the growth that comes from facing challenges! This is a great interview and we hope you enjoy it! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/d3-mikericci/support
The Road to Ironman Triathlon: Michelle Franks' Story of Endurance and Triumph
Mar 28 2024
The Road to Ironman Triathlon: Michelle Franks' Story of Endurance and Triumph
Coach Mike Ricci interviews 2 time Ironman triathlon finisher, Michelle Franks. Michelle discusses learning to swim, overcoming panic attacks and is on the verge of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Please reach out if you have questions: Info@d3multisport.com Give this episode a share with your friends.Summary‍Michelle Franks shares her journey in triathlon, starting from her early sports experiences and competitive spirit. She discusses her challenges with swimming and how she overcame them. Michelle emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset and surrounding oneself with supportive people. She also highlights the impact of her coach, Brad Sang, and his personalized coaching approach. Michelle shares her future goals, including qualifying for the Boston Marathon and competing in world championships. She concludes by reflecting on how triathlon has taught her valuable life lessons.TakeawaysDeveloping a competitive spirit and participating in various sports as a child can lay the foundation for success in endurance sports.Overcoming challenges in swimming requires breaking down the distance into smaller, manageable segments and finding a calm mindset.A positive mindset and surrounding oneself with supportive people can contribute to success in triathlon and other areas of life.Personalized coaching that meets the athlete where they are and analyzes data can help athletes improve and stay on track.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:34 Early Sports and Competitive Spirit01:27 Involvement in Performing Arts04:23 Overcoming Swimming Challenges06:16 Gaining Confidence in Open Water07:11 Dealing with Swim Anxiety08:39 Positive Mindset and Competitive Spirit13:45 Brad Sang's Coaching Approach20:17 Triathlon as a Life Journey‍--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/d3-mikericci/support
Triathlon Titans: University of Colorado Team Sets Sights on Conference Championships
Mar 14 2024
Triathlon Titans: University of Colorado Team Sets Sights on Conference Championships
‍In this episode, Coach Mike Ricci interviews members of the CU Triathlon team as they prepare for their conference championship and nationals. Madeline and Devin share their journey into triathlon and their roles within the team. Coach KJ discusses her background in swimming and her transition into coaching. The team emphasizes the importance of fundraising to support their races and the upcoming crowdfunding campaign. They also highlight the team's focus on process-based goals and the importance of a supportive team culture. The episode concludes with information on how listeners can donate and support the team.TakeawaysThe CU Triathlon team relies on fund raising to support their races and subsidize costs.The team emphasizes process-based goals and a supportive team culture.Coach KJ has seamlessly transitioned into her role as coach and has brought a focus on swim workouts and maintaining team traditions.The team is focused on preparing for their conference championship and nationals, with a goal of performing their best and enjoying the experience.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Team Background03:06 Roles and Fundraising05:55 Preparations for Conference Championship09:03 Coach KJ's Impact on the Team12:00 Coach KJ's Transition and Comfort with the Team14:58 Coaching Moments and Frustrations19:46 Fundraising and Support21:30 Closing Remarks and Good Luck‍--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/d3-mikericci/support