The Working Triathlete Podcast

Most triathletes understand that training is the stimulus for improvement — but without proper fueling, the body can’t adapt. In this episode, we break down the critical role that calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat play in driving endurance adaptations at the cellular level.We dive into how under-fueling sabotages progress by impairing mitochondrial biogenesis, hormone balance, and recovery, and we explore why carbs aren’t just fuel — they’re also powerful anti-catabolic agents. You'll learn that protein supports structural remodeling, that fat drives hormone health, and why energy availability is the foundation of performance.

In this episode of The Working Triathlete Podcast, we dive into the power of heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) for optimizing endurance performance. Coach Derek sits down with Coach Conrad to break down what your heart is really telling you—from resting HR and cardiac drift to HRV trends and race taper readiness. Learn how to interpret the data, avoid overtraining, and train smarter by using physiological signals to guide your training decisions. Whether you’re new to HRV or already tracking your metrics daily, this episode will help you unlock deeper insights and become a more efficient, adaptable athlete.

n this episode, we dive into the hotly debated topic of coffee stops during long rides—do they hinder your gains, or can they actually help? We also share behind-the-scenes details about our upcoming coaches' retreat in sunny Florida and how our athletes are staying on track despite the winter chill. From navigating base-building strategies to staying motivated in the off-season, this episode is packed with practical tips and a dose of inspiration for endurance athletes everywhere. Grab a coffee (or don’t) and tune in!

Thanksgiving is here! it’s the perfect time to reflect on the role gratitude plays in training, racing, and life. In this episode, we explore how shifting your perspective with gratitude can transform tough workouts, build mental resilience, and strengthen the relationships that support your journey. With practical examples, a motivational nugget, and an actionable takeaway, you’ll discover how a mindset of gratitude can fuel your performance and help you thrive both on and off the course. Tune in for this inspiring Thanksgiving special and take the first step toward incorporating gratitude into your routine.

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Chris Miller, an endurance athlete who faced some serious setbacks. After having a tumor removed from his leg, Chris was dealt another tough hand—a blood clot that put his athletic future, and even his life, at risk. Despite being told he might never run again, Chris wasn’t ready to quit. Tune in as he shares his story of grit, determination, and the relentless drive that took him from a hospital bed to the finish line at Ironman Lake Placid. This is a story about pushing through, no matter the odds.

In this episode of the Working Triathlete Podcast, Conrad and Derek jump into the world of Track and Field Olympic Trials. We break down the selection standards and discuss an athlete who had an unfortunate race and missed their chance. We also highlight the upcoming team races and training camps that anyone can join as well! Additionally, we explore the recent chatter surrounding Challenge Roth's decision to remove World Athletic standards for shoe rules. Does this matter? What will performances look in the future if the standards are removed?

In this episode of our podcast, hosts Derek and Conrad dive into the exciting results of the 70.3 Oceanside event, while also addressing the warm conditions encountered at 70.3 Texas that inspired the key themes of this discussion. They explore essential strategies for fueling and hydrating effectively in hot weather, offering valuable insights into preparing for warm races, particularly for athletes residing in cooler climates. Additionally, they shed light on the latest developments regarding a new hydration mix on Ironman courses. Working Triathlete would also like to extend an invitation to all listeners to join their upcoming webinar on April 24th at 7 PM Eastern, hosted in collaboration with Precision Fuel and Hydration. Tune in for expert guidance and actionable tips to enhance your performance in hot race conditions! Click here for the meeting link!

Ron Chlasta is an ASCA Level 4 Certified swim coach and Swim Star Swim School owner in Hendersonville, TN. He was the swim coach at Calvin University and at Woodside Aquatics in San Francisco, where he coached numerous USA top 16 swimmers and high school All-Americans, including athletes like four-time US National Champ Liesl Kolbisen. In the mid 80's thru early 90's, Ron partnered with Mike Bottom, travelling extensively through the US teaching clinics. They also taught clinics to the national teams of New Zealand, South Korea, Indonesia, and Guatemala. They've recently joined forces again, and will be teaching a clinic in Hendersonville, TN, which you can sign up for at http://www.mtscmasters.com/.In this podcast, we cover a plethora of topics, including triathlon swimming, the "five fingers" of good swimming, the importance of airflow, balance, and control, tips on achieving good body position, the EO swim power meter, and a good test set.