About this episode

This episode provides practical race-week strategies and tips for first-time triathletes while discussing the concept of 'zombie training'.

In this week’s episode, we share practical race-week strategies for endurance athletes, including how to prepare your bike, dial in transitions, visualize race day, and avoid common mistakes before the starting gun. We also break down our top 10 tips for first-time triathletes, from fueling and open-water swimming to pacing, bike handling, cooling strategies, and mindset preparation. Katie reflects on her experience pacing a fifth grader at a Girls on the Run 5K and the surprising lessons that apply to athletes of every level. Finally, we explore Gordo Byrn’s concept of “zombie training,” discuss the importance of recovery, consistency, and avoiding chronic fatigue, and share resources on the Norwegian Method, open-water swimming, and race-day gear. Whether you’re preparing for your first sprint triathlon or your next Ironman, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you train and race smarter. Check it out! To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

More episodes of The Endurance Drive Podcast

• Episode 133: Strength Training for Endurance Athletes with Maggie Mullins, DPT · May 28, 2026 · 53 min
• Episode 132: First Time Ironman Tips, Racing with a Stroller, and Flexible Goal Setting · May 21, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Episode 131: Racing Accessibility for New Moms, Triaging Persistent Fatigue, and the “Why Not You?” Mantra · May 14, 2026 · 58 min

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