The Unlikely Triathlete

In this milestone episode, Rob welcomes Matt Davies back to the show—this time as a permanent co-host. Matt shares his transformation from a "fat banker" to a full-time endurance coach, explaining how finishing his first Ironman acted as a "cheat code" that gave him the confidence to leave the corporate world and start his own business. The duo discusses the rebranding of the podcast to reach a broader audience of "unlikely athletes" and announces an ambitious new project to coach a complete beginner from the couch to a 70.3 Ironman finish live on the show. Key Takeaways: The Cheat Code Mentality: Finishing a monumental physical challenge unlocks a mental realization that "anything is possible" in other areas of life, such as business and career shifts. The Value of Coaching: A coach isn't just for elites; they provide beginners with accountability, life coaching, and technical guidance that saves time and money by avoiding common pitfalls. Rebranding the Journey: The show is evolving from The Unlikely Triathlete to The Unlikely Athlete to encompass ultra-runners, mountain climbers, and anyone pushing outside their comfort zone. The 12-Month Live Challenge: Rob and Matt are looking for one "unlikely athlete" to sponsor and coach for free, documenting their entire 12-month journey from start to finish line. Timestamps: [00:01:02] Matt’s origin story: Transitioning from banking to Ironman in six months. [00:03:02] Unlocking the "cheat code": How endurance sports change your professional mindset. [00:07:34] Leading from the front: Why coaching is built on shared experience. [00:13:00] Gear misconceptions: Starting with "rusty old nails" instead of $12,000 bikes. [00:16:30] Coaching as life coaching: Beyond the technical training plan. [00:30:11] Rob’s pivot: Moving from triathlon toward the Badwater 135 and ultra-trail running. [00:33:45] The Big Announcement: Searching for a candidate for the couch-to-70.3 live challenge. Coach To Finish Line Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header Matt Bio & Links Matt is a high-performance endurance and executive coach who helps ambitious business professionals train smarter, perform better, and rediscover what they’re truly capable of — whether that’s crossing an IRONMAN finish line, reclaiming their health, or simply proving mid-life doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Mixing a 20-year career in senior finance leadership alongside years of endurance coaching and racing experience (from “fat banker” to Ironman — his words, not ours), Matt specialises in premium, highly personalised coaching that delivers exceptional value, blending world-class training, accountability, and mindset coaching for people ready to make meaningful, lasting change — with just enough humour along the way to remind everyone that Lycra is still never entirely flattering.* Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/ Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone Rob BIO Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hey there sports lovers, In this emotional and inspirational episode, Rob Hardstone sits down with his sister, Brenda, to discuss her successful completion of an Ironman 70.3 in Busselton. Brendar’s journey is the definition of "unlikely," having trained for a year while managing diabetes, a thyroid condition, and recovering from the surgical removal of her gallbladder just six weeks before the race. The conversation dives deep into the raw reality of race day, from the 3:30 AM nutrition routine to the psychological battle against "survival mode" and pre-race physical pains. Brenda shares the brutal truth about conquering an ocean swim despite nausea and the surreal experience of "floating" down the red carpet at the finish line. Key Takeaways The "Survival Brain": Rob and Brenda discuss how the brain is wired for survival, often heightening physical aches and pains in the week before a race to discourage high energy expenditure. Nutrition as the "Fourth Discipline": The importance of mastering a nutrition plan cannot be overstated. Brenda shares how she overcame her fear of eating while cycling to successfully take in 80-90% of her planned nutrients on the bike. Training for the Unexpected: From dealing with the groundswell in the ocean to making "rookie mistakes" during the transition, Brenda emphasises how a year of consistent coaching and preparation allows an athlete to adapt in the moment. The "Tri-High": The episode captures the powerful, long-lasting emotional high of finishing an ultra-event, a feeling that Rob describes as lasting for two to three weeks and making one feel "invincible". Inspiration from the Field: Brenda recalls that her original inspiration didn't come from seeing "racing snake" athletes, but from seeing "unlikely" people—overweight individuals and those with disabilities—conquering the course. Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone Call booking link: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/sJX8bHdoj3P7cBoffJFC Green Mamba Tri Coaching Community Link: https://community.greenmamba-tri.com/communities/groups/greenmamba-tri-community HOST BIO Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hey there sports lovers. In this episode of The Unlikely Triathlete, Rob sits down with Jake Bird, a marketing consultant and fitness enthusiast who has recently taken the social media world by storm with his transparent, "warts-and-all" journey into triathlon. Jake is the founder of a marketing consultancy for health and fitness brands, but he admits he is very new to the world of swim, bike, and run. The conversation explores how Jake transitioned from a background in football and heavy gym lifting to documenting his first triathlon experiences for his large online following. Jake discusses the "imposter syndrome" of entering a technical sport, the reality of training while running a business, and his recent experience at the T100 in London. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels intimidated by the "elite" image of triathlon and wants to see what the journey actually looks like for a beginner. Key Takeaways The Power of Vulnerability: Jake explains why he chose to document his failures and struggles rather than just his successes, and how this "authentic" approach resonated with thousands of people. Overcoming Gear Intimidation: From "aero helmets" to expensive bikes, Jake discusses how the technical side of the sport can be a barrier and why he advocates for just starting with what you have. The "Hybrid Athlete" Balance: Jake shares his experience trying to maintain muscle mass from his bodybuilding days while building the endurance required for an Ironman 70.3. The "Kitchen Sink" Approach to Content: Why showing the "unsexy" parts of training—like waking up at 5:00 AM or failing at a swim session—is more inspiring than a highlight reel. T100 London Experience: Jake reflects on his recent race at the ExCeL London, including the unique challenges of an indoor-to-outdoor transition and the incredible atmosphere of the event. Managing Social Media Pressure: How to deal with "internet experts" and "keyboard warriors" who critique your form or equipment choices when you are just starting out. Consistency over Perfection: Jake’s philosophy on balancing a high-pressure marketing career with a demanding training schedule: "It's not about being the best; it's about being better than you were yesterday." Jake Bird https://www.youtube.com/@jakeebird https://www.instagram.com/jakeebird/ https://www.instagram.com/derive_apprl/ Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone Call booking link: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/sJX8bHdoj3P7cBoffJFC Green Mamba Tri Coaching Community Link: https://community.greenmamba-tri.com/communities/groups/greenmamba-tri-community HOST BIO Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Hey there sports lovers, on todays episode Rob sits down with a true heavy-hitter in the multisport world: two-time Xterra World Champion and professional triathlete, Bradley Weiss. The conversation explores Bradley's transition from broken collarbones on the rugby pitch to winning multiple 70.3 titles and course records on the road. Bradley opens up about his "technical soul," explaining why he feels more at home navigating rocks and trails in Nature’s Valley than on the concrete of a marathon. Key Takeaways The Power of Small Gains: Bradley emphasises that the "addiction" to triathlon often starts with the rapid improvements seen at the beginner level. Don't Start with an Ironman: He suggests that the sport feels less daunting when newcomers focus on grassroots sprint distances rather than jumping straight into long-distance events. The "Why" Behind the Race: When facing a DNF (Did Not Finish) or a setback, Bradley recommends returning to the original reason you chose to do the sport to maintain perspective. Resilience Under Pressure: He shares a pivotal moment from the 2023 World Championships where he fought back from a five-minute drafting penalty to finish seventh, proving that a bad moment doesn't have to define a race. Community Spirit: Whether at the elite or amateur level, the triathlon community is defined by a willingness to help others, from lending goggles to sharing training advice. Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone Call booking link: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/sJX8bHdoj3P7cBoffJFC Green Mamba Tri Coaching Community Link: https://community.greenmamba-tri.com/communities/groups/greenmamba-tri-community Bradley Weiss https://www.instagram.com/bsweiss_tri/?hl=en https://www.bradley-weiss.com/ HOST BIO Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Coach Robb sits down with Stuart Wade, a high-performance mindset coach, clinical hypnotherapist, lifelong martial artist, and four-time world champion. Stuart shares the pivotal childhood moment that shaped his resilience, the psychology behind limiting beliefs, and how anyone — regardless of background, body type, or starting point — can unlock extraordinary potential. Whether you're an aspiring triathlete, a weekend warrior, or someone searching for purpose and confidence, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you take the first step and keep moving forward. Key Takeaways Stuart’s childhood disappointment failing his first black belt grading became the catalyst for resilience, discipline, and future championships. Curiosity is enough to begin. Action creates clarity, momentum, and confidence over time. Your “why” becomes the anchor on tough days. You don’t always need to know it upfront, but it becomes essential during low-motivation moments. Stuart breaks down how hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious to rewrite unhelpful patterns and strengthen mental resilience. Coaches, mentors, and supportive communities accelerate transformation. Help is a strength, not a weakness. Tiny successes — like learning to clip into a bike or finishing a small race — create confidence cascades that change lives. About Stuart: Stuart is a High Performance Mindset Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and lifelong martial artist with a bold vision—to elevate human potential at the highest levels in order to create lasting, global change. https://themindcoach.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-wade-the-mind-coach/ Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone Call booking link: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/sJX8bHdoj3P7cBoffJFC Green Mamba Tri Coaching Community Link: https://community.greenmamba-tri.com/communities/groups/greenmamba-tri-community HOST BIO Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds.

In this opening episode, Rob introduces the vision behind The Unlikely Triathletes — a podcast celebrating ordinary people who achieve extraordinary things. He shares his life journey: growing up in tough conditions in Durban, navigating Afrikaans boarding schools, enduring brutal military training, and eventually finding his way into commercial saturation diving, one of the most dangerous jobs on earth. Rob opens up about the pressures, challenges, and defining moments that strengthened his mindset and ultimately led him to endurance sport. He describes how triathlon became the anchor that pulled him toward coaching and why he now dedicates his life to helping people who don’t think they belong in this world — the CEOs, parents, doubters, late starters, and everyday humans who have far more inside them than they realize. This episode is raw, motivating, and full of hard-won wisdom. It sets the tone for a podcast that isn’t just about sport — it’s about overcoming, believing, and discovering the version of yourself you never thought possible. Key Takeaways Rob’s path from bullied schoolboy to military endurance soldier to saturation diver shows that greatness often comes from adversity. The struggles Rob faced — from harsh schooling to dangerous offshore operations — forged the resilience he now teaches his athletes. Triathlon didn’t just challenge Rob physically; it offered clarity, purpose, and a path out of an old life that no longer fulfilled him. Rob emphasizes that he’s not special — he’s “Joe average” who learned to push through fear and limitation. And that means so can you. Rob’s life experience allows him to guide CEOs, busy professionals, and self-doubters across the finish line — physically and mentally. Rob believes that helping one person builds a chain reaction of positive change — and this podcast aims to spark that movement. Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardston BOOK A CALL WITH ME! Call booking link: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/sJX8bHdoj3P7cBoffJFC Green Mamba Tri Coaching Community Link: https://community.greenmamba-tri.com/communities/groups/greenmamba-tri-community Host Bio Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds.

Welcome sports lovers to this episode of The Unlikely Triathlete! Today we sit down with Mel, one of my athletes and a former NHS physician associate whose career path has taken more twists than a hilly bike course. From working as a postwoman, to retraining in medicine, to battling through the chaos of COVID on the ICU frontline, and now stepping into a completely new world as a Human Factors Engineer at a nuclear power station — Mel’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. This is an episode for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure if they’re capable of more. Spoiler: you are. Mel shares openly about the professional pressure inside the NHS, the politics surrounding her role, the emotional toll of working during the pandemic, and the courage it took to reinvent herself when her job security became uncertain. Amid all of this, she decided to take on a brand-new challenge: becoming a triathlete — all while juggling shift work, family life, and career transitions. If you’ve ever told yourself “I don’t have the time,” “I’m too busy,” or “I’m not the kind of person who could do a triathlon,” Mel’s story is going to shake that belief loose. Mel’s journey from postwoman to ICU clinician to future nuclear power station engineer What it was really like qualifying as a physician associate during the first wave of COVID The political backlash against her profession and how it threatened her career How a busy NHS clinician builds training into a life full of 12-hour shifts The mindset shift required to say “yes” to triathlon despite self-doubt Why reinvention doesn’t require permission — only courage Using sport as an anchor when your career and identity are shaken What Human Factors Engineering actually is… and why Mel fell in love with it BOOK A CALL WITH ME! Call booking link: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/sJX8bHdoj3P7cBoffJFC Green Mamba Tri Coaching Community Link: https://community.greenmamba-tri.com/communities/groups/greenmamba-tri-community HOST BIO Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. LINKS https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melaniewedgbury79?lang=en-GB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/she.ience/