The PILLAR Performance Podcast PILLAR Performance

Alex de Boer, an entrepreneur in the triathlon industry, began his journey selling wetsuits at triathlon events and eventually secured a license with Ironman, building it into Europe's leading wetsuit brand. After Ironman sold the license, he founded his own brand, De Boer, which focuses on high-end, innovative wetsuits and swimwear for triathletes and swimmers. Emphasising customer relationships and empowerment, Alex's story highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and following one's passion. De Boer, driven by a commitment to making athletes faster in the water, started with Jan Frodeno's endorsement of the Fjord 1.0 wetsuit. The brand has since partnered with top athletes like Daniela Ryf and Ben Kanute and aims to be one of the top swim brands globally.


Takeaways
- Seize opportunities and take risks in entrepreneurship
- Building relationships with customers is crucial
- Allow customers to make their own decisions
- Passion for innovation drive success of De Boer wetsuits to fulfil their mission of making athletes faster in the water.
- Partnerships with top athletes have helped drive product improvements.
- The company is expanding into the swimwear market.


Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:48 The Journey from Selling Wetsuits to Building a Brand
11:19 The Power of Seizing Opportunities
16:08 Passion and Innovation: Keys to Success in the Wetsuit Business
28:07 Recognizing a Gap in the Market
33:53 Creating the De Boer Brand
39:18 Aiming for Olympic Gold in 2028

PILLAR Performance
Shop online:⁠ ⁠https://pillarperformance.shop/⁠⁠
Instagram:⁠ ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/pillarperformance_/
Tiktok:⁠ ⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@pillarperformance
STRAVA:⁠ ⁠ https://www.strava.com/clubs/1108245
Podcast:⁠ ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pillarperformance

De Boer
https://deboerwetsuits.com/
https://www.instagram.com/deboerswim/

In this episode, PILLAR's Head of Research Dr Dan Plews interviews Hunter McIntyre, a world champion in HYROX. Hunter shares his journey as an athlete and his training methods. He discusses his background in running and wrestling, his transition to obstacle course racing, and his success in various sports. McIntyre emphasizes the importance of strength and endurance in his training, as well as the need for efficiency and power. He follows a training plan that includes a mix of low-intensity and high-intensity sessions, focusing on power, weight, and efficiency.



McIntyre also highlights the significance of aerobic fitness in HYROX and the benefits of maintaining a strong aerobic capacity. Hunter McIntyre discusses his coaching experience with world record-breaking athletes and his own training journey in various sports, including HYROX and Ironman. He emphasizes the importance of volume and efficiency in training, as well as the role of nutrition and supplements in optimizing performance. McIntyre also shares insights on the mistakes endurance athletes make when transitioning to HYROX and offers advice for training and competing in the sport. He discusses his sports nutrition company and the need for specific and effective supplements in the market. McIntyre also mentions his online training platform, Hunter's Academy of Strength, which focuses on educating athletes and improving their performance.



Takeaways

- Hunter McIntyre's success as an athlete is attributed to his dedication to training and his unique combination of strength and endurance.

- Efficiency and power are key factors in McIntyre's training, and he focuses on developing these qualities through a variety of exercises and sports.

- Maintaining a strong aerobic capacity is crucial in high rocks, and McIntyre emphasizes the importance of aerobic fitness in his training.

- McIntyre follows a training plan that includes a mix of low-intensity and high-intensity sessions, with a focus on power, weight, and efficiency.

- His training week consists of running, biking, and specific station work, with an emphasis on building stamina and maintaining aerobic fitness.

- Training volume and efficiency are key to improving performance in high rocks and other endurance sports.- Proper nutrition and supplementation can enhance athletic performance and recovery.

- Endurance athletes transitioning to high rocks should focus on race pace and avoid overtraining.



Chapters

00:00 Hunter McIntyre's Athletic Journey

08:35 The Power-Endurance Balance

13:24 The Importance of Aerobic Fitness

29:41 A Week in the Life of Hunter McIntyre

36:49 Coaching World Records and Training Volume

39:13 Efficiency and Fueling in Endurance Sports

46:08 Mistakes in Transitioning to High Rocks

50:27 Sports Nutrition and Supplement Gap

53:41 Hunter's Academy of Strength



Hunter McIntyre

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntthesheriff/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ @HunterMcIntyre 



PILLAR PerformanceShop online:⁠ ⁠https://pillarperformance.shop/⁠⁠Instagram:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pillarperformance_/⁠⁠Tiktok:⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@pillarperformance⁠⁠STRAVA:⁠ ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/1108245⁠⁠ Podcast:⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/61jzgXksYsWryVDHFF4lDs?si=94c8e415b5f74e22&nd=1&dlsi=7f152f0de9cb4ae6⁠

In today’s episode Chelsea discusses her background as a runner and her transition to triathlon. She shares her early experiences in running, including the pressure she felt as a young athlete and the challenges she faced in finding the right training environment. Chelsea highlights the importance of finding the right balance between training partners and coaching. She also mentions her successful running career, including her personal best times in various distances. 

Chelsea reflects on the realities of pregnancy and postpartum recovery as an athlete and the challenges she faced after winning Kona. She emphasises the need to enjoy the journey and focus on the opinions of those who truly matter. 

Chelsea also mentions her favourite micronutrients from PILLAR Performance: Triple Mag and Ultra Omega.

Takeaways


Finding the right training environment and coaching is crucial for success in athletics.




Balancing training partners and coaching can be challenging, but it's important to find the right fit.




Pressure as a young athlete can impact enjoyment and performance.


Injuries can be a significant obstacle in an athlete's career.


Transitioning from running to triathlon requires adjustments and new training strategies. 


Transitioning from Olympic distance to longer distances in triathlon can be a lifestyle choice based on happiness and well-being.


Having a strong support system is crucial for athletes, especially during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.


Winning a major race like Kona does not guarantee a smooth journey afterward, and it's important to manage expectations.


Enjoying the journey and focusing on the opinions of those who truly matter can lead to greater success and fulfilment. 


Pillar Performance's Triple Mag and Ultra Omega are recommended micronutrients for athletes.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Location

10:14 Chelsea's Running Pedigree

29:30 Breakthrough Performances and National Titles

33:14 Importance of Training Environment and Coaching

36:40 Impressive Personal Best Times

37:39 Transitioning to Triathlon

38:07 Choosing Happiness and Longer Distances in Triathlon

39:07 The Importance of a Strong Support System

42:53 The Realities of Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery as an Athlete

46:48 Managing Expectations After Winning Kona

56:54 The Expectation vs. Reality of Pivotal Moments

01:07:33 Enjoying the Journey and Focusing on What Matters

01:12:22 Recommended Micronutrients for Athletes: Triple Mag and Ultra Omega



Chelsea Sodaro: https://www.instagram.com/chelseasodaro/



Dr Dan Plews:

https://www.instagram.com/theplews/



PILLAR Performance

Shop online: ⁠https://pillarperformance.shop/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pillarperformance_/⁠

Tiktok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@pillarperformance⁠

STRAVA: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/1108245⁠ 

Podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/61jzgXksYsWryVDHFF4lDs?si=94c8e415b5f74e22&nd=1&dlsi=7f152f0de9cb4ae6

Lucas Becker, also known as Byron Bay Chef, shares his passion for healthy and fresh cooking. He emphasises the importance of balance and flexibility in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Lucas provides practical tips for beginners in the kitchen, such as getting organised, keeping it simple, and using versatile cooking methods. He also highlights the benefits of batch cooking and meal prepping to save time and money. Lucas encourages athletes to prioritise cooking their own meals to fuel their performance and avoid the cost and potential health risks of eating out. He shares recipes and tips on his Instagram and offers a comprehensive cooking course called Kitchen Hero.



Takeaways


Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires balance and flexibility.
Getting organised and keeping it simple are key to cooking more from home.
Versatile cooking methods like roasting, grilling, and steaming are essential skills.
Batch cooking and meal prepping can save time and money.
Cooking your own meals is important for athletes to fuel their performance.
Lucas shares recipes and tips on his Instagram and offers a comprehensive cooking course called Kitchen Hero.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:05 Finding Balance and Flexibility in Healthy Eating

10:07 Practical Tips for Beginners in the Kitchen

17:46 Cooking Basics: Eggs and Essential Equipment

33:01 Grab-and-Go Breakfast Ideas

40:27 Cooking for Athletes: Performance and Savings

42:39 Recipes, Tips, and Kitchen Hero Course



PILLAR Performance

Shop online: https://pillarperformance.shop/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pillarperformance_/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pillarperformance

STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1108245 

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/61jzgXksYsWryVDHFF4lDs?si=94c8e415b5f74e22&nd=1&dlsi=7f152f0de9cb4ae6



Chef Lucas Becker: https://www.instagram.com/byronbaychef/

In this episode of the PILLAR Performance Podcast, Rasmus Barfred, co-founder of THEMAGIC5, discusses the journey of creating custom fit sportswear, starting with their innovative custom fit swim goggles. Rasmus shares his background in endurance sports and how his passion for swimming led to the idea for the Magic Five. He talks about the challenges they faced, including the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and their strategy for expanding into retail. Rasmus also mentions their long-term vision of creating custom sportswear for various product categories.

Takeaways
- THEMAGIC5 is a sports technology company that specialises in custom fit sportswear, starting with their custom fit swim goggles.
- Rasmus Barfred, co-founder of the Magic Five, has a background in endurance sports and a passion for swimming.
- The Magic Five identified a gap in the market for custom fit goggles, as most swimmers settle for the least worst option.
- Their goal is to create custom sportswear for various product categories, using their scanning and fitting technology.
- The Magic Five faced challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 on their business, but they adapted by donating goggles to EMT workers and exploring retail partnerships.
- Their long-term vision is to change the way people buy and experience custom products.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the PILLAR Performance Podcast and THEMAGIC5
06:15 Innovating the Swim Goggle Market: THEMAGIC5 Story
13:43 Understanding the Market: Brand Affinity and Consumer Behaviour
29:03 Challenges and Adaptation: Navigating the Impact of COVID-19
34:18 Expanding into Retail: THEMAGIC5 Strategy

PILLAR Performance
Shop online: https://pillarperformance.shop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pillarperformance_/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pillarperformance
STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1108245
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/61jzgXksYsWryVDHFF4lDs?si=94c8e415b5f74e22&nd=1&dlsi=7f152f0de9cb4ae6

THEMAGIC5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themagic5/
Shop: https://themagic5.com/?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=Instagram&utm_campaign=linktreebfwebsite

In this conversation, Elizabeth Inpyn and Pip Taylor discuss the importance of omega-3 fats for endurance athletes. They cover topics such as the different forms of omega-3s, the benefits of EPA and DHA, and the challenges faced by plant-based athletes. They also discuss the Omega-3 Index test and the importance of testing and supplementation for optimal omega-3 levels. The conversation highlights the impact of omega-3s on performance, joint health, and overall well-being. The key takeaway is to prioritize health and nutrition, including omega-3 supplementation, for improved athletic performance and longevity.



PILLAR Performance: linktr.ee/pillarperformance_



Fuelin : PILLAR30 for 30% off your first month - https://www.fuelin.com/



Takeaways


Omega-3 fats are important for endurance athletes as they provide numerous health benefits, including improved cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and muscle protein synthesis.
The Omega-3 Index test is a valuable tool for determining if an athlete is getting enough omega-3s. A target range of 8-12% is considered ideal.
Supplementation with a high-quality omega-3 product, such as Pillar, can help athletes meet their omega-3 needs and overcome the challenges faced by plant-based athletes.
Timing and compliance are important factors in omega-3 supplementation. Athletes should aim for consistency and find a supplement that is easy to incorporate into their daily routine.
Prioritizing health and nutrition, including omega-3 supplementation, is essential for optimal athletic performance and overall well-being.



Sound Bites

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:15 Understanding Omega-3 Fats

03:51 Different Forms of Omega-3s

05:04 Importance of EPA and DHA

07:02 Omega-3s and Brain Health

09:17 How to Determine if You're Getting Enough Omega-3s

11:16 The Omega-3 Index Test

13:04 Timing and Compliance

16:12 Benefits of Pillar Omega-3 Supplement

19:12 Supplementation for Athletes Consuming Seafood

21:40 Testing and Supplementing for Optimal Omega-3 Levels

23:08 The Impact of Omega-3s on Performance

24:41 Signs and Symptoms of Omega-3 Deficiency

27:07 Considerations for Supplementing with Omega-3s

28:37 Omega-3s and Joint Health

31:04 Personalized Approach to Omega-3 Supplementation

34:15 Timing and Dosage Recommendations

35:10 Omega-3s and Joint Inflammation

37:06 The Overall Benefits of Omega-3s

39:55 Prioritizing Health and Nutrition for Performance