Tri Swim Coach Podcast

On today's episode, I sit down with Greg Harper: D1 swimmer turned pro triathlete, two-time Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifier, and swim coach who isn't afraid to challenge coaching norms. We dig into why "gliding" is killing your swim, how ditching your smartwatch might actually help your performance, and the real link between breath control and open-water speed. Plus, Greg shares what burnout taught him about lifelong athlete development and how stroke rate beats ego every time. Connect with Greg Harper on Instagram: @gharpzorz ================================================================== *If the podcast helped you think differently about your swimming, you can leave a tip here: buymeacoffee.com/coachlatella SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 ================================================================== Sponsor: 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox — where your swimming gets better and no one judges your recovery. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com ====================================================================== YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach

In this episode of the Tri Swim Coach Podcast, we dive into what it means to make swimming more than just another workout—it's a lifestyle. We talk about the unique quirks of swim coaches (like why we all dress like we just got off a boat), how swimming can be a form of therapy, and why getting in the water isn't just good for your body—it's good for your mind. We also break down how to fit swimming into your weekly routine without turning your life upside down. Whether you're swimming for fitness, recovery, or just to clear your head, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast if you're loving the content. Hit play, jump in, and let's make swimming a lifestyle. ======================================================================= *If the podcast helped you think differently about your swimming, you can leave a tip here: buymeacoffee.com/coachlatella Sponsor: 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox — where your swimming gets better and no one judges your recovery. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswimcoach?_t=ZP-8vfKANQ964N&_r=1 SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4

So in this one, we spiral—emotionally and professionally. We talk about Top Chef making us cry, why your arms shouldn't be twins (yes, like your eyebrows), and how telling someone "real swimmers go under 2:00" is basically psychological warfare in a swim cap. Also, keyhole pulls? Trash. Gone. Antiquated like floppy disks and landlines. Oh—and one of my swimmers dropped 50 minutes off his marathon swim after we stopped doing what the internet says is "correct." So yeah, maybe rethink that pretty little front quadrant glide. It's a mix of rants, weird metaphors, swim coaching, and probably some oversharing. You'll like it. YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswimcoach?_t=ZP-8vfKANQ964N&_r=1 ================================================================== SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 ======================================================================= Sponsor: 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox — where your swimming gets better and no one judges your recovery. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com

In this episode, we're cracking open the chaos that is your freestyle rotation. Spoiler: if you're flipping over like a damn rotisserie chicken or swimming flat like a pancake, you're doing it wrong. We break down why 45 degrees is the magic number, how your shoulder blades are secretly calling the shots, and why your kick should not be the engine turning your body. YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswimcoach?_t=ZP-8vfKANQ964N&_r=1 Sponsor 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox – where your swimming gets better and no one judges your feet. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4

In this episode, we're kicking things off (pun intended but not really) with the one part of freestyle everyone loves to ignore: your legs. That's right—your lazy, sinking, drag-inducing legs. We're talking all things kick: why "saving your legs for the bike" is a myth that needs to die, how your pelvis and core are running the show (literally), and why squeezing your thighs together like you're trying to crush a watermelon might be the best swimming advice you've never heard. There's also a deep dive into anatomy, dysfunction, Ricky Ricardo's bongo drums, and why kickboards are basically flotation devices for denial. If your kick is more chaos than coordination—or you just want to understand how to stop fighting the water—this one's worth a listen. Sponsor 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox – where your swimming gets better and no one judges your feet. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 Let's get into it! 0:00 – Solo Again, Let's Talk Legs Just me today. Don't worry, I'm not going to tell you to not kick. 2:45 – The Total Immersion Hangover Why the "save your legs" myth still haunts triathletes everywhere. 5:20 – Your Legs Are Like Swinging Arms… But Underwater What running and swimming actually have in common—and why dragging your legs is a choice. 7:50 – Kicking ≠ Power, It = Posture How kicking helps with balance and body position (not propulsion). 10:40 – The Deep Kick Drag Trap If your legs go lower than your pelvis… congrats, you're slowing down. 13:30 – Think "Upkick," Not Downkick A weird but super effective shift that changes everything. 16:10 – Try This Drill Standing in the Shallow End A quick hand bounce test that'll blow your mind (and your calves). 19:05 – Vertical Propulsion & Why Your Kick Doesn't Push You Forward Hard truths about where your power really comes from. 21:40 – Hip Mobility vs. Back Pain How tight hips sneakily recruit your low back—and why that's a problem. 25:10 – Runners, Cyclists & The Great Abductor Mistake You're strong—but your kick is suffering for it. 27:45 – Inner Thighs FTW How activating your adductors lights up your core and helps your legs float. 31:15 – Hydrodynamics vs. Real Life Bodies Why "perfectly straight legs" work on paper—but not in reality. 34:00 – Knee Bending Rules (Yes, You Can Bend It… Sometimes) The difference between efficient flexion and drag-city dysfunction. 37:20 – Ankle Angle, Toe Touches & Foot Fails Why you might cramp, and how to fix your feet while avoiding self-inflicted pain. 41:10 – The Pomeranian Kick Small, snappy, and stylish—channel your inner tiny dog. 44:00 – Slow Arms, Fast Feet Drill (aka the 12-10-8-6-4) One of my favorite drills to build coordination without blowing up your heart rate. 47:25 – Kick on Your Side (Yes, It's Harder. Yes, It's Better.) Deeper water = deeper challenge. Here's why it pays off. 50:00 – The Kickboard Conspiracy Why it's time to break up with your kickboard (unless you're brand new). 52:30 – Dysfunctional Core? Check the Pelvis. How kick issues often point back to posture, pelvis control, and rotation mechanics. 56:00 – Why Pilates Actually Works for Swimmers Stronger hips = better posture = no more spaghetti legs. 59:30 – One Giant Kick ≠ Rotation Why trying to flip your body with one big leg whip is not the move. 1:01:40 – The Bongo Drum Visualization A strange but surprisingly effective way to feel your kick through rotation. 1:04:15 – Kick Timing, Core Sync, and Snorkel Work Bring it all together: side kicks, snorkel drills, and real-world integration. 1:07:00 – Everyone Can Improve Their Kick Yes, even you. Even if it takes a year. It's worth it. 1:09:30 – Final Thoughts & DM Me If Your Legs Are Offended Let's stop ignoring the kick. Ask questions, be curious, and keep kicking.

In this episode, we're breaking down what's really going on with your arm recovery—and spoiler: your hand isn't the problem. We dig into body awareness, core connection, and why your stroke might be falling apart the second you stop thinking about it. There's talk of Pilates (yes, seriously), the myth of the "perfect recovery," and how to stop swimming like a disconnected spaghetti noodle. #triathlontraining #triswimcoach #swimmechanics #openwaterswimming #triathletelife #dominiclatella ============================================ Sponsor 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox – the real MVP of swim coaching. If you're in the DC area and want to swim like you care: 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger The Freestyle Breathing Course is live: https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇Want to level up your swimming game? Check out the Tri Swim Success Program - https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 Let's get into it.

Welcome back to The Tri Swim Coach Podcast! And if this is your first time listening congrats—you just made the best decision of your triathlon career. Or maybe the worst. We'll see. Want to talk with Brook? You can find her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brookbenten?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== You can also check out all of Brook's amazing books: BrookBenten.com/shop/ 🔥 First up—Austin, Texas, April 4-6. You, me, and a bunch of other poor souls figuring out how to swim like actual athletes. Hands-on coaching, video analysis, open water skills—so you're not just out there flopping around like a fish having an existential crisis. Limited spots, so don't be that guy who waits too long. Apply to join the camp here: https://forms.gle/3H1Yf7ELiFVEamkh6 🔥 Or come see me and the TSC crew in-person at SwimBox in the Washington, DC area. We'll fix your stroke, fine-tune your technique, and make sure you stop burning all your energy before you even hit the bike. Seriously, stop swimming like you're fighting the water—we can help. Email to set up an out of Towner Workshop, domininc@triswimcoach.com

Austin, TX TSC OPen Water Camp! 🏊‍♂️🔥 Alright, listen up, — if your working on your swimming and need to gain open water skills, this camp is for you. Coach Dominic Latella is hosting a next-level swim camp, and if you've ever thought, "I'd love open wate to be fun, and also not feel like I'm dying in the process," then sign up right now before all the spots are gone. Training-Only Package (No Lodging) • Includes swim sessions, video analysis, and group discussions • Price: $425 What's in it for you? ✅ Technique Tweaks – Because let's be honest, we all need them. ✅ Drills That Actually Work – Not just some random stuff to make you tired. ✅ Open Water Skills – Sighting, drafting, and not getting dunked at the turn buoy. ✅ Video Analysis – So you can finally see why your stroke looks more like a wet noodle than Phelps. ✅ An Epic Group – Training with people who push you (and also don't judge your wetsuit struggles). Why You Should Sign Up: Most triathletes just keep muscling through the swim, hoping they'll magically get better. News flash: They won't. But you? You're smart. You're reading this. You know that a little technique goes a long way. So come get some hands-on coaching, actually fix your stroke, and make the water work for you instead of against you. 📅 Date: April 4th-6th 📍 Location: Austin, TX, Lake Travis, Cove B and B 🎟 Spots are limited, and FOMO is real. Don't be that person kicking yourself later—sign up now. How to Reserve Your Spot Apply to join the camp here: https://forms.gle/48n6BBwPP6dpBgjD6 Space is limited! email me at dominic@thetriswimcoach.com if you have questions Let's make this an unforgettable swim experience!

Think your swimming is smooth? Spoiler: it's not. Join our free video analysis group where we meet twice a month—once to roast your strokes individually and once to fix them as a group. It's like having a personal swim coach and a support group for your flailing, all in one! Shoot me an email at dominic@thriswimcoach.com or slide into my DMs for the details! - Tackle correcting your breathing in Freestyle with the TSC Breathing Crash Course - https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing - Want to level up your swimming game? Check out the Tri Swim Success Program - https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 Upcoming Swim Camps: Abaco Bahamas - Feb 6th - 11th - SOLD OUT Austin, Texas - April 4th - 6th (8 slots available) Salt Lake City, Utah - July 2025 (to be determined)

Think your swimming is smooth? Spoiler: it's not. Join our free video analysis group where we meet twice a month—once to roast your strokes individually and once to fix them as a group. It's like having a personal swim coach and a support group for your flailing, all in one! Shoot me an email at dominic@thriswimcoach.com or slide into my DMs for the details! - Tackle correcting your breathing in Freestyle with the TSC Breathing Crash Course - https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing - Want to level up your swimming game? Check out the Tri Swim Success Program - https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 Upcoming Swim Camps: Abaco Bahamas - Feb 6th - 11th - SOLD OUTAustin, Texas - April 4th - 6th (10 slots available) Salt Lake City, Utah - July 2025 (to be determined)

Tackle correcting your breathing in Freestyle with the TSC Breathing Crash Course - https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing Want to level up your swimming game? Check out the Tri Swim Success Program - https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 Swimming is really about the individual - Sign up for a Live Video Analysis and work directly with Coach Dominic to understand, implement, and improve - https://tidycal.com/dominiclatella/45-minute-live Upcoming Swim Camps: Abaco Bahamas - Feb 6th - 11th - SOLD OUTAustin, Texas - March 28 - 30 (10 slots available) Salt Lake City, Utah - July 2025 (to be determined)

Engage in a deep and revealing conversation that explores the nuances of coaching, the evolution of swimming techniques, and the philosophies that drive success in the world of triathlon and competitive swimming. We cover the importance of disagreeing as coaches to foster growth, the challenges of adapting coaching techniques over time, and the anecdotal versus scientific bases of their practices. We touch on the psychological aspects of competition, emphasizing the role of the heart and brain over physical prowess alone. We even dive into insights on making a difference in athletes' lives, underscoring the lifelong journey of learning and adaptation for both coach and athlete. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the art and science of coaching, the mental fortitude required for competitive success, and the rich experiences that define the swimming and triathlon community.

This podcast explores critical insights on maximizing off-season training for triathletes, featuring in-depth discussions on training strategies, nutrition, recovery, and technology's role in tailoring training plans. Emphasizing the transition from distance to speed, the use of platforms like TriDot and Fuelin to customize training and nutrition plans, and the impact of technique adjustments on swimming, the podcast offers a comprehensive guide to achieving peak performance. It stresses the importance of setting achievable goals, maintaining fitness through race participation, and balancing training with personal commitments. Highlighting the mental aspects of racing and the value of coaching, it also explores community engagement via platforms like TriSwimCoach and social media for holistic support and adaptability in training environments. 00:00 Kickstarting the Conversation: Coffee and Tech Setup 01:12 Diving into Off-Season Training Strategies 03:52 A Journey into Triathlon: From Start to Strategy 14:49 Optimizing Off-Season: Training, Nutrition, and Goals 27:36 The Coaching Philosophy: Building Long-Term Athlete Relationships 35:34 Triathlon Community: The Spirit of Support and Inclusion 38:22 Setting Goals and Working Backwards 38:56 The Power of Coaching and Personal Blind Spots 39:07 Detailed Training Goals and Race Aspirations 41:11 Strategic Focus on Improving Performance 43:50 Adapting Training for the Build Season 48:01 The Role of a Coach Beyond Training Plans 50:22 Balancing Training, Racing, and Recovery 01:05:14 Nutrition and Fueling Strategies for Athletes 01:12:38 Planning for Success in the Off-Season 01:16:26 Connecting with the Community and Final Thoughts