Fitter Radio Triathlon Podcast

Bevan McKinnon

Fitter Radio explores the ideas shaping triathlon and endurance sport, combining real-world coaching experience with the latest research. Through race analysis, expert interviews and conversations with professional triathletes we break down the decisions that influence performance, health and long term development.

  1. Matthew Marquardt: Mastering Elite Performance with Discipline & Balance

    5d ago

    Matthew Marquardt: Mastering Elite Performance with Discipline & Balance

    Balancing demanding training with medical school and personal life is no small feat. Matthew Marquardt shares his strategies for managing time effectively, ensuring that neither his work, academic pursuits nor his athletic goals are compromised. He emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and a disciplined approach to training, focusing on the present and tuning out distractions. Insights into handling adversity are central to Matt's approach. His experiences with overcoming setbacks and maintaining confidence in competition provide a roadmap for aspiring triathletes. Plus, we hear about the importance for him of balancing athletic pursuits with philanthropy and personal fulfillment. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00:00 – Balancing life as an elite triathlete 0:02:05 – Matt's background as a swimmer 0:03:04 – Managing the cognitive load of training, racing and working. 0:09:22 – Transitioning to triathlon 0:11:00 – Bike ride across America 0:13:24 – Transitioning from an age grouper to a pro triathlete 0:16:29 – The evolution of his biking abilities 0:20:04 – Staying "out of the noise" 0:22:30 – Those cramps! 0:25:23 – IRONMAN Cairns and cramping 0:29:29 – The cramping solution 0:33:43 – The changes that manage the cramps 0:36:29 – The evolution of his run 0:42:11 – Cape Epic 0:45:50 – The impact of long-distance travel 0:18:28 – South Africa record breaking performance 0:51:04 – Pelotonia Cancer Research 0:52:28 – Next race Lake Placid LINKS: Matthew Marquardt at https://www.instagram.com/matthewdmarquardt/ Pelotonia at https://www.pelotonia.org/

    55 min
  2. The Evolving Landscape of Anti-Doping and Testosterone Use in Sports

    Jun 3

    The Evolving Landscape of Anti-Doping and Testosterone Use in Sports

    Dr. Alison Heather, Chief Scientist at Insitugen Limited shares with us the rapid advancements in anti-doping technology, the rise of online testosterone replacement therapies and the importance of understanding inadvertent contamination versus intentional doping. We discuss the necessity for fair processes, the role of sensitive testing methods and the need for athlete education to prevent false positives and unfair sanctions. Key Topics: The emergence of online testosterone replacement therapy services. Risks associated with unregulated use of testosterone and potential for misuse in sports The importance of comprehensive blood and metabolic testing before initiating hormone therapy How anti-doping testing has evolved since 2004 with increased sensitivity and the role of AI The significance of non-targeted testing in detecting unnoticed performance-enhancing drug use Challenges related to inadvertent contamination, such as semen or supplement trace amounts The importance of fair investigation procedures and the concept of adverse analytical findings The impact of media sensationalism on athletes who are not guilty The necessity for athletes and the public to understand the complexities of doping tests and contamination How technology, biology and AI are advancing doping detection capabilities The role of education and support for athletes facing potential sanctions Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: rise of online testosterone therapy and concerns 02:00 - Risks of unregulated hormone use  04:00 - Importance of blood work and medical consultation before hormone therapy 06:00 - Evolution of anti-doping testing methods since 2004 08:00 - Role of AI in non-targeted doping detection 10:00 - Contamination scenarios and their implications in doping cases 12:00 - Investigative processes and fairness in doping sanctions 14:00 - False positives due to contamination and trace amounts 16:00 - The case of Imogen Simmonds and the importance of fair procedures 18:00 - Threshold levels and resource allocation in doping testing 20:00 - Future directions: AI, fingerprinting, and supplement testing 22:00 - The importance of transparency and athlete support during investigations 24:00 - The cultural shift needed around doping allegations and fair play 26:00 - The impact of media and public perception on innocent athletes 28:00 - The significance of education and preventative measures in sports LINKS: Dr Alison Heather - Insitugen Limited at https://insitugen.com/

    43 min
  3. The Evolution of Anti-Doping. Weekend Racing Reviews

    Jun 2

    The Evolution of Anti-Doping. Weekend Racing Reviews

    We review the racing from the WTCS event in Alghero, IRONMAN Brazil and Challenge St Poelten. The Enhanced Games – what are the implications for clean sport and athlete integrity. Professor Alison Heather, Chief Scientific Officer at Insitugen, updates us on the evolution of anti-doping and the implications of new anti-doping and testing technologies. TIMESTAMPS 0:00:00 – Kate and Guy in Malaysia this week 0:01:07 – The Timber Trail 0:05:52 – WTCS Alghero race review 0:18:02 – IRONMAN Brazil 0:22:14 – Should IRONMAN standardise pay across all events 0:23:55 – Challenge St Poulton race review 0:25:45 – The Enhanced Games 0:34:22 – Testosterone clinics in NZ 0:36:13 – Professor Alison Heather intro 0:37:06 – Alison Heather on testosterone 0:40:00 – Jack Moody's testing 0:44:45 – Alison Heather on how far anti-doping has come 0:48:02 – How do we avoid contamination 0:58:22 – Alison Heather shares her thoughts on publicizing results LINKS: Jack Moody at https://www.instagram.com/jacktmoody/ Kate Bevilaqua at https://www.instagram.com/katebevilaqua/ Guy Crawford at https://www.instagram.com/guyrcrawford/ The Timber Trail at https://www.timbertrail.nz/ The Whaka 100 at https://www.whaka100.co.nz/ WTCS event Alghero at https://events.triathlon.org/2026-wtcs-alghero Challenge St Poelten at https://challenge-stpoelten.com/ IRONMAN Brazil at https://www.ironman.com/races/im-brazil The Enhanced Games at https://www.enhanced.com/ Professor Alison Heather at https://insitugen.com/about-us/

    1h 4m
  4. IRONMAN Lanzarote. T100 Spain. Challenge Championship. Race Reviews.

    May 26

    IRONMAN Lanzarote. T100 Spain. Challenge Championship. Race Reviews.

    We review the racing from the weekend at T100 Spain, IRONMAN Lanzarote and the Challenge Championship. Plus, we look ahead to IRONMAN Brazil and the female only IRONMAN Hamburg race – can the women go under 8 hours? TIMESTAMPS: 0:00:00 – Kate's been to the dentist 0:04:37 – Tri Club Awards Freemantle 0:06:14 – Slots for Kona disappearing fast 0:07:30 – IRONMAN Lanzarote 0:08:30 – Kate's raced IRONMAN Lanzarote 0:08:54 – Nina Derron's bike split 0:09:14 – Alanis Siffert 0:10:04 – Riding into oncoming traffic 0:10:29 – Bike Course at Lanzarote 0:11:45 – Who could match Laidlow's bike time 0:12:51 – Time gaps on the bike 0:14:24 – The run in Lanzarote 0:14:59 – Damien Le Mesnager 0:15:45 – Jelle Geens doing Lake Placid 0:16:04 – Kona qualification getting tougher 0:16:55 – IRONMAN Brazil this weekend 0:18:13 – IRONMAN Hamburg female race coming up 0:18:38 – Kate talks about the old way to qualify for Kona 0:19:59 – Who will win Hamburg? 0:20:46 – Can the women go under 8 hours? 0:23:02 – T100 Spain Pamplona 0:23:56 – The bike course Pamplona 0:24:47 – Confusion around bike course rules? 0:26:14 – Georgia Taylor-Brown as a cyclist 0:27:42 – Greater prize money at Pamplona 0:28:45 – No spectators for the T100 0:30:03 – Jack's viewing at the weekend 0:30:53 – Need to make the racing more exciting 0:31:05 – Old style Supertri 0:33:01 – Island House Race 0:35:02 – Published HR data physically impossible 0:35:58 – Old guys in Bora Hansgrohe cycling jerseys 0:37:51 – The Challenge Championship – Samorin 0:38:02 – Jack loves watching good swimmers 0:39:01 – Hannes Butters swim leg 0:39:56 - Valdemar Solok bike leg 0:42:39 – Women broke the bike course recoed 0:44:23 – Will The Challenge Championship stick around 0:45:46 – The Europeans and their bikes 0:47:00 – The Diamond bike 0:47:21 – Ceepo and the Shadow LINKS: Jack Moody at https://www.instagram.com/jacktmoody/ Kate Bevilaqua at https://www.instagram.com/katebevilaqua/ Guy Crawford at https://www.instagram.com/guyrcrawford/ Spain T100 at https://t100triathlon.com/spain/participate/ IRONMAN Lanzarote at https://www.ironman.com/races/im-lanzarote Jordi Montraveta Moya at https://www.instagram.com/jordimontra/ Alanis Siffert at https://www.instagram.com/alanis.siffert/ Damien Le Mesnager at https://www.instagram.com/daamiienn/ Georgia Taylor Brown - https://www.instagram.com/georgiatb/ The Challenge Championship at https://challengefamily.com/races/the-championship/ Hannes Butters at https://www.instagram.com/trihabu/ Valdemar Solok at https://www.instagram.com/valdemar_solok/

    49 min
  5. Jackie Hering: The Return to Full Distance Racing – Insights from a Pro Triathlete

    May 20

    Jackie Hering: The Return to Full Distance Racing – Insights from a Pro Triathlete

    Jackie Hering, a pro triathlete with 15 years of top finishes, unveils her approach to racing at 40. She shares how releasing pressure, managing expectations and embracing unexpected race-day curveballs transform her results in IRONMAN racing In this episode, you'll discover: What Jackie considers are her strongest assets and how she's training smarter, not just harder. Her secrets to managing expectations and why 'releasing' them can be your fastest path to success. How setbacks like mechanical issues or illness can be an opportunity, not a disaster, in race strategy. The value of adaptability: how a puncture in Hamburg or a change in race schedule can become a game-changer. Insights into the psychology of professional women athletes and the supportive roles they embrace - Jackie's own "mother hen" approach. You'll also hear how Jackie's balance of motherhood, racing, and podcasting provides a fresh perspective in a sport often defined by its relentless intensity. She shares her plans for upcoming races, her views on Kona's elusive magic and the importance of enjoying the process rather than obsessing over the results. 00:00 - Introduction 02:34 - The Evolution of Women's Triathlon 05:40 - Supportive Dynamics in Female Racing 08:27 - Balancing Family Life and Professional Racing 11:07 - Return to Full Distance Racing 14:03 - The Challenge of the Pro Series 16:42 - Expectations and Race Performance 19:34 - Navigating Race Challenges and Adaptability 22:03 - Strategic Race Planning 24:23 - Navigating the Pro Series Challenges 25:46 - Balancing Ironman Races and Recovery 26:27 - Lessons from Recent Races 28:22 - The Kona Experience: Challenges and Goals 30:15 - Training Evolution and Consistency 33:45 - Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses 34:59 - Future Race Plans and Goals LINKS: The Women's Race Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-womens-race/id1895478355 Jackie Hering's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jackiehering

    45 min
4.7
out of 5
57 Ratings

About

Fitter Radio explores the ideas shaping triathlon and endurance sport, combining real-world coaching experience with the latest research. Through race analysis, expert interviews and conversations with professional triathletes we break down the decisions that influence performance, health and long term development.

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