Simon Ward, Be Battle Ready - The podcast for strength, resilience, and longevity

Simon Ward
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The Be Battle Ready podcast is where everyday athletes, adventurers, and seekers of strength come to forge resilience - in body, mind, and spirit. Hosted by coach Simon Ward, each episode explores the true pillars of endurance: purposeful training, nourishing nutrition, restorative sleep, a resilient mindset, and the art of recovery. It’s designed especially for those in their 40s, 50s and beyond who refuse to rust - men and women who know that age is no excuse to stop sharpening the blade. Whether you’re preparing for your next Ironman, rebuilding after setback, or simply training for the demands of life itself, this show will help you stay Battle Ready: strong, adaptable, and unbreakable. Expect conversations with world-class coaches, scientists, and everyday warriors - those who walk the path of longevity and high performance - sharing wisdom, tactics, and stories from the front line of endurance. 👉 Subscribe now and step inside the ranks of the Battle Ready Society -  where strength is forged, and rust never wins.

  1. 5D AGO

    Heat Training: The Early-Season Edge

    Most athletes only think about heat training two weeks before flying to Kona. That’s reactive. Used early in the season, heat training can increase plasma volume, improve heart rate control and build durability before racing even starts. This episode was recorded last year and I’m re-releasing it now because this is exactly when smart athletes should be using it. I’m joined by Lindsey Hunt from Precision Fuel & Hydration to break down how it works and how to apply it safely.   In This Episode • Why heart rate spikes in hot conditions • How plasma volume rises in just a few days • The difference between acclimation and acclimatisation • Whether it helps if you race in the UK • Lab vs DIY approaches • How long adaptations last   KEY QUOTE “Often our ability to lose heat limits performance more than our actual fitness.”   To follow Lindsey or Precision Fuel and hydration please check out the following social media channels Twitter (personal) -  LindseyHunt_24 Instagram (PF&H) - Precision Fuel & Hydration   Instagram (personal) - Lindseyh.u.n.t. Lab page - https://www.precisionhydration.com/lab/    Precision Fuel & Hydration Stuff A recent interesting blog about wearable sweat sensors A recent blog about how fuelling requirements change at altitude Free online sweat test: https://sweattest.precisionhydration.com/pages/why-personalise-your-hydration-strategy Quick carb calculator: https://www.precisionhydration.com/products/precision-fuel-sample-pack/#thecarbcalculator Athlete Case Studies: https://www.precisionhydration.com/athletes/case-studies/triathlon/   Cool Videos Pro Tour cycle team Lotto Destiny use heat training to optimise performance Heat acclimation and hydration at Marathon des Sables   If you want help applying strategies like this properly, that’s exactly what we build inside the SWAT Inner Circle. Train smart. Start early. Get ahead of the season. £30 per month. CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION   Connect with me HERE: https://linktr.ee/simonward You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube   Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle 💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!

    59 min

  2. FEB 18

    After 30 Years of Coaching, Here’s What Still Matters.

    After three decades in endurance sport, what surprises me most isn’t what’s changed. It’s what hasn’t. Training trends come and go. Methods get rebranded. New tools promise breakthroughs. But the fundamentals that drive performance, health and longevity have barely moved. In this episode, I explain why most athletes don’t need more information — they need more consistent application of what already works.   In This Episode Why most “new” training methods aren’t actually new The common mistake of chasing hours instead of protecting fundamentals The five principles that have endured for 30 years Why consistency beats optimisation every time   Key Takeaways Most athletes are not missing a secret. They are missing repetition. If it doesn’t improve durability, capacity or sustainability, it probably doesn’t matter much. Build the foundation first. Volume and performance sit on top of that.   Quote From This Episode “You probably don’t need more information. You need more consistency.”   Join the SWAT Inner Circle If you want year-round structure built around these enduring principles — strength, fuelling, recovery and smart intensity — join the SWAT Inner Circle. Plans, guidance, monthly coaching calls and direct access to me. £30 per month. CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION   Connect with me HERE: https://linktr.ee/simonward You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube   Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle 💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!

    30 min

  3. FEB 11

    I Wrote These Training and Racing Principles 15 Years Ago. They Still Work

    Beth takes over hosting duties from Santa Barbara and pulls out a list of training and racing principles I wrote about 15 years ago. The catch is I’m not allowed to look at them. So we go through the big ones and I react in real time, seeing which ideas have genuinely stood the test of time, what I’d tweak with today’s experience, and what still matters most for age group athletes who want to perform well, stay healthy, and enjoy the process. We talk about choosing races that suit you (not your ego), understanding the course early, and setting realistic expectations so you don’t torch yourself chasing a fantasy. We dig into the boring stuff that works: consistency over hero sessions, sensible progression, and training specifically for the event you’ve entered. And we cover race day reality: the perfect race almost never happens, so you’d better have a Plan B and a calm head.   4–5 key bullet points Why your support team at home matters more than your latest gadget How to choose races that fit your strengths and lifestyle, and learn the course early The principles that stood the test of time: consistency first, progression without ego, and specificity that makes sense Stress is cumulative, so recovery is not optional, it’s training Race day reality: expect chaos, define success properly, and use Plan B thinking 3 key takeaways Pick the right target: choose races and goals that suit you, and learn the course early so you can prepare properly Win the boring weeks: consistent, repeatable training beats occasional brilliance every time Recover and adapt: stress adds up, recovery is non negotiable, and flexibility on race day is a skill   Quote of the episode “Consistency is the key to success. Make the priority to stay healthy and uninjured.” Join the SWAT Inner Circle And if you want structure, accountability, and a tactical plan for staying strong, mobile, and resilient all year round, the SWAT Inner Circle is where you’ll find the support to stay Battle Ready for life’s adventures. CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION   Connect with me HERE: https://linktr.ee/simonward You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube   Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle 💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!

    1h 12m

  4. FEB 4

    The Day My Heart Stopped Mid-Race with Nick Parkes (English Masters Open Water Champion 2022)

    This episode is not about marginal gains. It’s about the thing we all quietly assume, until we cannot: being fit does not make you bulletproof. Nick shares what happened when he suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest during the GB National Open Water Championships (July 2023), mid-race, in open water. He was resuscitated on site, later underwent a double bypass, and then began the long, patient process of rebuilding his health, fitness, and confidence. It’s an honest conversation about preparation, prevention, and the responsibility we all carry, not just for our own health, but for the people training around us.   What you’ll learn in this episode What it felt like in the lead-up, what happened in the water, and why rapid action mattered The chain of survival: bystanders, CPR, defibs, and how quickly outcomes change Double bypass surgery and what recovery really looks like in the real world Returning to training after a major cardiac event, physically and mentally The uncomfortable truth for masters athletes: training is brilliant, but it is not a health screen   Battle Ready takeaways (5 punchy ones) Fitness improves your odds, not your immunity. You can be in great shape and still have hidden risk. Learn CPR and how to use a defib. Not “someone should”, you should. Get your checks done, especially over 45. Do not wait for a scare to start paying attention to your numbers. Rehab is training. Cardiac rehab and gradual progression are the comeback plan. Your lifestyle habits are part of performance. Sleep, stress, nutrition, and strength are not extras, they are the foundations. One key quote “Being fit doesn’t make you immune.”   Practical actions to take after listening Book a proper health check and get your key markers reviewed (blood pressure, lipids, glucose control, plus anything your GP recommends for your age and history). Do a CPR course and find out where the nearest defib is at your pool, track, gym, and local venues. Have the conversation with your training mates: who calls, who does CPR, where’s the defib, what’s the plan. Take the boring stuff seriously: sleep, alcohol, ultra-processed food, and stress load all matter more as you get older.   Some links from Nick: Book recommendation- “Motivation is P.E.A.R. shaped” by author and psychologist Simon Hartley.   http://www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk http://www.suddencardiacarrestuk.org   Join the SWAT Inner Circle And if you want structure, accountability, and a tactical plan for staying strong, mobile, and resilient all year round, the SWAT Inner Circle is where you’ll find the support to stay Battle Ready for life’s adventures. CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION   Connect with me HERE: https://linktr.ee/simonward You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube   Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle J 💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!

    1h 19m

  5. JAN 28

    The Over-50 Recovery Thief Nobody Wants to Admit (Part 2)

    Welcome back. Part one was the foundations. This is the practical, straight-talking follow on where we get honest about what actually moves the needle over 50. We cover six actions that help you keep performance climbing while protecting recovery: less volume but better quality, HIIT done sensibly, reducing alcohol, daily creatine, the broken endurance run-walk approach, and regular health checks. The big themes (what this episode is really saying) Over 50, you do not need to train like a hero. You need to train with intent, recover properly, and stop letting the “small” lifestyle habits quietly sabotage the work. Punchy takeaways Less volume, better quality: stop collecting miles and start making sessions purposeful. HIIT matters for life, not just racing: keeping VO2 max and fast-twitch fibres buys you function later, not just fitness now. Choose safer ways to go hard: you can hit high heart rates on a bike, rower, swim, or loaded carries without risky sprinting. Alcohol is the sneaky recovery thief: it hits sleep, decisions, mood, and training quality more than most people admit. Creatine is not hype: it is well researched, supports muscle, and there is growing support for brain health and cognitive function too. Run-walk is not cheating: broken endurance is a strategy to stay consistent, hold form, manage heart rate, and finish stronger. Health checks are health-first performance: a short appointment now can prevent a long, messy problem later. One key quote “Hoping things are fine is not the same as knowing.”   Practical “pick one lever” challenge Do not try to do all of this at once. Pick one lever this week: reduce volume and sharpen key sessions add one HIIT session and recover properly cut alcohol back and watch what happens to sleep start daily creatine try a run-walk interval on a familiar route book a health check   SWAT Inner Circle If you want help applying all of this with proper structure, support, and a plan you can trust, the SWAT Inner Circle is the simplest way to stay consistent and stay Battle Ready.   Join the SWAT Inner Circle And if you want structure, accountability, and a tactical plan for staying strong, mobile, and resilient all year round, the SWAT Inner Circle is where you’ll find the support to stay Battle Ready for life’s adventures. CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION Connect with me HERE: https://linktr.ee/simonward You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube   Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle   Join the Unstuck Collective – for Beth’s weekly inspiration and coaching insights (not a chat group; replies welcome via DM). 💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!

    55 min

  6. JAN 21

    Over 50? Start Here: Strength, Sleep, Protein (Part 1)

    This week is part one of a two-parter where Beth and I strip things right back to the foundations that keep you training well, feeling good, and staying properly capable as the years tick on. No gimmicks, no hero sessions, and definitely no “smash yourself then need a week off” nonsense. We cover five core actions that make everything else work: regular strength training that you can actually stick to, doing something that challenges your brain (not just your body), sorting your sleep so recovery is no longer optional, eating enough protein to support muscle and healthspan, and building stability and balance so you move well now and stay upright later. Simple stuff, but it is the simple stuff that most people skip. Part two will take it on from there with less volume, more smart intensity, alcohol, creatine, broken endurance running, and health checks. 5 key takeaways  Strength training should be regular and progressive, not a weekly punishment session that leaves you sore and inconsistent. Training your brain means learning new skills (bonus points if it’s social), not just repeating the same puzzles forever. Better sleep is your cheapest performance enhancer, and small habit changes beat overthinking it. Most active over-50s need more protein than they think, spread across the day, not crammed into one meal. Stability and balance are both performance tools and long-term “life insurance”, so test them and train them. One key sentence from the episode: Strength Training - “You do not need to be sore for it to be working”.   Join the SWAT Inner Circle And if you want structure, accountability, and a tactical plan for staying strong, mobile, and resilient all year round, the SWAT Inner Circle is where you’ll find the support to stay Battle Ready for life’s adventures. CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION   Connect with me HERE: https://linktr.ee/simonward You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle 💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!

    40 min

  7. JAN 14

    Protein Made Practical: Targets, Timing, and Simple Meals (Part 2)

    Welcome back, this is part two of our protein mini-series with Dr Jules Strauss. Part two is the no-nonsense version. Less theory, more ‘do this’. Jules and I turn protein into a simple daily system for busy endurance athletes: how to spread it across the day, why breakfast and lunch are where most people miss easy gains, when shakes are actually useful, and what the truth is about that post-session ‘window What we cover What “1.5-2.0 g per kg” looks like in real food Why most people under-do protein at breakfast and over-do it at dinner. A simple way to build meals “Protein first”, then build the meal around it. Make breakfast and lunch count Easy upgrades to porridge, yoghurt bowls, eggs, fish tins, and grab-and-go meals. Meal prep without becoming a full-time chef The “go-to meal” approach and why repetition can be a feature, not a flaw. Supplements and quality Whole foods first, supplements to top up, and why athletes should look for batch-tested options. The post-workout window Useful, but not panic stations. Context matters (session length, depletion, and how soon you train again). Chocolate milk as a recovery option Old-school, practical, and surprisingly effective. Who should be cautious with high protein? Mainly those with existing kidney issues, who should follow medical guidance. Protein and periodisation Carbs get periodised. Protein stays foundational. Five practical takeaways Set your number: know your daily protein target for your body weight and age. Protein at every meal (and snack if needed): stop leaving it all for dinner. Build meals from the protein source first: then add carbs, colour, and flavour around it. Keep it simple: 5-7 repeatable meals beats chaos and good intentions. Prep once, benefit all week: small batch cooking beats daily decision fatigue. Quote to steal “Think about building your meal out from the protein source rather than the carbohydrate source.” J Listener action Pick two high-protein breakfasts you actually enjoy and rotate them for the next 14 days. Do a quick audit: are you getting a meaningful protein hit at breakfast and lunch, or are you relying on dinner to save you? Jules - Protein audio_otter_ai Connect with Dr. Jules Strauss: Website: totalendurancenutrition.com Instagram: @drjulesstrauss_nutritionist   Resources recommended by Jules Beyond muscle hypertrophy. Why dietary protein is important for endurance athletes   Join the SWAT Inner Circle   And if you want structure, accountability, and a tactical plan for staying strong, mobile, and resilient all year round, the SWAT Inner Circle is where you’ll find the support to stay Battle Ready for life’s adventures. CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION   Connect with me HERE: https://linktr.ee/simonward You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube   Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle Join the Unstuck Collective – for Beth’s weekly inspiration and coaching insights (not a chat group; replies welcome via DM). 💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!

    50 min

  8. JAN 7

    Part 1 - Protein for Endurance and Ageing: What the RDA Gets Wrong

    Protein is having a moment, but the internet has turned it into a shouting match. In part one, I’m joined by performance nutritionist Dr Jules Strauss to cut through the noise and give you a clear framework. We start with the standard “recommended daily allowance” and quickly get into what actually matters for endurance athletes and masters athletes: muscle maintenance, recovery, quality of life, and staying strong enough to keep doing the stuff you love for decades. What we cover The RDA vs athlete reality       Why 0.8-1.0 g per kg is a general population target, not an “optimal for performance” target. How much protein do endurance athletes need? Typical ranges for endurance athletes and how masters athletes may benefit from the higher end. Anabolic resistance (ageing and protein) Why older athletes may need a bigger protein dose per meal to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. J Strength training plus protein is the power combo Why lifting and protein work better together than either one alone. Sarcopenia and healthspan Muscle loss is not just a “gym issue”. It is independence, falls risk, and quality of life. Protein quality, plant vs animal, and what actually matters The truth: differences exist, but you can thrive on multiple approaches if you plan properly. Too much protein, kidney worries, and what happens to the excess Where the sensible upper limits sit for endurance athletes. Protein and fat loss Why protein can help appetite and muscle retention in a calorie deficit, but it is not magic. Key takeaways If you are an endurance athlete, the RDA is a floor, not a target. As you age, you may need more protein per meal to get the same muscle-building signal. Protein plus resistance training is one of the best “anti-rust” strategies going. Plant-based can work brilliantly, but it needs more planning to cover bases like essential amino acids and leucine. More is not always better. Most endurance athletes do not need to live at extreme intakes. Key quote regarding the RDA numbers “Those numbers are about survival rather than thriving or optimal performance.”   Listener action Work out your daily protein target and write it down (especially if you are over 45). Add one simple rule: protein at every meal. Breakfast is usually where people fall apart.   Connect with Dr. Jules Strauss: Website: totalendurancenutrition.com Instagram: @drjulesstrauss_nutritionist Resources recommended by Jules Beyond muscle hypertrophy. Why dietary protein is important for endurance athletes   Join the SWAT Inner Circle And if you want structure, accountability, and a tactical plan for staying strong, mobile, and resilient all year round, the SWAT Inner Circle is where you’ll find the support to stay Battle Ready for life’s adventures. CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION   Connect with me HERE: https://linktr.ee/simonward Including links for - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube   Check out my Instagram  and YouTube  channel Website: www.simonward.co.uk Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle Join the Unstuck Collective – for Beth’s weekly inspiration and coaching insights (not a chat group; replies welcome via DM). 💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!

    41 min
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About

The Be Battle Ready podcast is where everyday athletes, adventurers, and seekers of strength come to forge resilience - in body, mind, and spirit. Hosted by coach Simon Ward, each episode explores the true pillars of endurance: purposeful training, nourishing nutrition, restorative sleep, a resilient mindset, and the art of recovery. It’s designed especially for those in their 40s, 50s and beyond who refuse to rust - men and women who know that age is no excuse to stop sharpening the blade. Whether you’re preparing for your next Ironman, rebuilding after setback, or simply training for the demands of life itself, this show will help you stay Battle Ready: strong, adaptable, and unbreakable. Expect conversations with world-class coaches, scientists, and everyday warriors - those who walk the path of longevity and high performance - sharing wisdom, tactics, and stories from the front line of endurance. 👉 Subscribe now and step inside the ranks of the Battle Ready Society -  where strength is forged, and rust never wins.

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