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. 3D AGO

    Fit But Not Healthy? The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything – Justin Robbins

    What happens when everything looks right on the outside… but something isn’t quite right underneath? In this episode, I’m joined by Justin Robbins, a former Ironman athlete and coach who was training consistently, performing well, and doing all the things we’d typically associate with good health. But a routine blood test told a very different story. What followed was a complete rethink of how he approaches training, health, and life. This is an honest conversation about identity, balance, and what really matters if you want to stay fit for the long term.   5 KEY POINTS 1. Fitness doesn’t equal health - You can train hard and still be metabolically unhealthy. 2. Identity can become a trap - When your identity is tied to performance, it’s hard to step back. 3. More isn’t always better - High training volume doesn’t guarantee better outcomes. 4. Awareness creates change - It often takes a wake-up call to reassess what you’re doing. 5. Health is a long-term game - Short-term performance should never come at the expense of longevity.   3 TAKEAWAYS 1. Ask better questions - Don’t assume your current approach is working. 2. Look beneath the surface - Feeling fit isn’t the same as being healthy. 3. Think long term - Train in a way that supports your future self.   KILLER QUOTE “I was training 15 to 16 hours a week… and still got told I was pre-diabetic.”   🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES Justin mentioned getting a full blood panel via an online lab. This is the link: https://healf.com/zone   FREE Download👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 A simple checklist to see if you’re actually on track 3–6 months out. Ironman Sanity Checklist   Want help building durable training? Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down. £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!

    1h 10m

  2. APR 29

    From 20-Year Break to Ironman World Champion – Jane Hansom’s Story

    What happens when you step away from sport for nearly 20 years… and then come back? In this episode, I’m joined by Jane Hansom, who did exactly that. From a long break after university to running a sub-3 marathon, winning her age group at Kona, and building a successful marketing business alongside her training, Jane’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start. We talk about consistency, mindset, coaching, and how the lessons from endurance sport translate directly into business and life.   5 KEY POINTS 1. It’s never too late to start - Progress doesn’t depend on your past. 2. Consistency wins - Show up. Do the work. Repeat. 3. Coaching is about people - The best coaches adapt to the individual. 4. Mindset transfers - What works in sport works in life. 5. Details matter - Small things make a big difference.   3 TAKEAWAYS 1. Be clear on your goal - Know exactly what you’re aiming for. 2. Do the work, then trust it - Confidence comes from preparation. 3. Find your people - Support makes everything easier.   KILLER QUOTE “There wasn’t a single day in that entire year that I pressed snooze.”   🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim - https://www.nevistostkittscrosschannelswim.com/ UltraSwim 33.3 (Caribbean Edition) - https://ultraswim333.com/ Listen to our recent podcast about the Nevis cross channel swim - https://simonward.podbean.com/e/nevis-to-st-kitts-swim-why-i-finally-decided-to-take-statins/   FREE Download👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 A simple checklist to see if you’re actually on track 3–6 months out. Ironman Sanity Checklist   Want help building durable training? Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down. £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!

    1h 15m

  3. APR 22

    Don't Mess This Up: 5 Decisions That Make or Break Your Ironman

    You’re 6–16 weeks out. This is the phase where most Ironman races are shaped. Not on race day, but in the decisions you make right now. It’s not about getting fitter. It’s about getting it right. 5 Main Points 1. Stick to the plan - Consistency beats last-minute changes. 2. Respect fatigue - Recovery is part of the training, not a weakness. 3. Practise race day - Don’t leave pacing, nutrition and conditions to chance. 4. Fuel properly - You can’t train hard and under-fuel at the same time. 5. Arrive fresh - Better to be slightly underdone than overcooked. 3 Key Takeaways • Most Ironman plans fail in the weeks before race day • Durability and consistency matter more than volume • The goal now is to arrive healthy, not fitter Killer Quote “It’s not about doing more… it’s about getting it right.”   If you didn’t listen to last weeks podcast Racing an Ironman this year? Ask yourself these 5 questions.   FREE Download👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 A simple checklist to see if you’re actually on track 3–6 months out. Ironman Sanity Checklist   Want help building durable training? Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down. £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!

    32 min

  4. APR 15

    Are You Racing an Ironman This Year? Ask Yourself These Questions Now

    If you’ve signed up for an Ironman this year, this is the point where things start to get real. You’re no longer thinking about training… you’re already in it. And for many athletes, this is the phase where small cracks begin to appear. Missed sessions, niggles, fatigue, and a growing sense of uncertainty about whether you’re actually on track. In this episode, Simon and Beth walk through the key questions every Ironman athlete should be asking 3 to 6 months out from race day. Not to create panic, but to provide a clear and honest sense-check of where you are right now. Because at this stage, it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things consistently, staying healthy, and making sure you arrive at the start line ready to execute. 5 Key Talking Points This phase of training is where most Ironman campaigns either come together or begin to unravel. Consistency matters more than volume. Stop-start training is a major red flag. Durability is critical, especially for older athletes managing fatigue and recovery. Race-specific preparation, including pacing and nutrition, must be practised well before race day. The goal now is not to get dramatically fitter, but to protect your fitness and stay healthy. 3 Takeaways Be honest about where you are. Small issues now can become big problems later. Focus on consistency, recovery, and smart training rather than chasing more volume. Your primary goal is to arrive at the start line healthy, not exhausted or injured. Key Quote “The goal now isn’t to get fitter… it’s to arrive at the start line healthy.”   FREE Download👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 A simple checklist to see if you’re actually on track 3–6 months out. Ironman Sanity Checklist   Resources I promised you Race day nutrition Strategy - Get 20 minutes with a Precision Fuel & Hydration expert Train your gut The art of gut training How to train your gut   Want help building durable training? Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down. £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!

    41 min

  5. APR 8

    Nevis to St Kitts Swim + Why I Finally Decided to Take Statins

    In this episode, Beth and I reflect on our recent Nevis to St Kitts swim, a brilliant open water adventure that reminded us what it really means to be Battle Ready. We talk about the event itself, the experience of swimming across open water in a stunning setting, and what we learned from it. Then we shift gears into a more personal topic. I share why, after years of resisting it, I’ve decided to start taking statins. It’s not medical advice, but an honest conversation about health, ageing, and the difference between being fit and being truly healthy for the long term. Key Points The Nevis to St Kitts swim experience A 2.5-mile open water swim in warm Caribbean waters, inclusive, well organised, and accessible to a wide range of swimmers. Adventure vs preparation You don’t need perfect preparation to take on meaningful challenges, but the experience highlighted where more specific endurance work would help. Battle Ready in action Being consistently fit allowed us to step into an event like this with confidence and enjoy the experience. Fit doesn’t equal healthy You can look strong, perform well, and still have underlying health risks that aren’t visible on the surface. Why I changed my stance on statins After years of resisting medication, a combination of medical advice, real-life examples, and perspective on long-term risk led me to rethink my position. 3 Takeaways Train for life, not just events Being Battle Ready means you can say yes to opportunities without needing perfect preparation. Don’t confuse fitness with health Performance metrics don’t tell the full story. What’s happening “under the hood” matters just as much. Play the long game Whether it’s training, lifestyle, or medical decisions, the goal is to keep doing what you love for decades, not just today. Killer Quote “Just because you’re fit, it doesn’t mean you’re invincible.” Resources Find out more about the Nevis - St Kitts Cross Channel Swim Nick Parkes podcast - The Day My heart Stopped Mid-Race Want help building durable training? Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down. £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!

    41 min

  6. APR 1

    Why Mobility Matters More Than You Think with Tom Morrison

    Mobility is one of the most overlooked parts of training. Most athletes ignore it until something hurts. Then it suddenly becomes important. In this episode, I’m joined by Tom Morrison, creator of the Simplistic Mobility Method. I first came across Tom through athletes I work with, and his name kept coming up again and again. What stood out to me is that Tom hasn’t just studied mobility. He lived the consequences of ignoring it. From overtraining and constant injuries to a serious back issue that stopped him in his tracks, Tom had to rebuild his body from the ground up. What he shares in this conversation is simple, practical, and very relevant if you want to keep training as you get older. This isn’t about adding more to your week. It’s about doing the right things so you can keep showing up. 5 Key Talking Points Most people wait for pain before they act - Mobility only becomes a priority when something breaks down. Injuries often come from what you don’t train - If one joint lacks movement, another area takes the strain. More training isn’t always better - Tom’s own experience shows how high volume without balance leads to injury. Pain doesn’t always mean damage - You can have structural issues and still move well if your body is strong and adaptable. Small daily habits work best - Five to ten minutes a day can make a big difference over time. 3 Takeaways Train your joints as well as your engine Be consistent, not extreme Do a little every day Key Quote “You don’t get injured in places where you move well. You get injured in places where you don’t move at all.”   Final Thought If you want to keep training for the long term, mobility isn’t optional. It’s the thing that keeps you consistent. And consistency is what delivers results.   Resources To find out more about Tom please visit these channels: Website: https://tommorrison.uk YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TomMorrison Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MovementandMotion Instagram: https://instagram.com/tom.morrison.training?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tom_morrison?_t=8eMnk3YfqBf&_r=1   These are some of Tom’s most popular blog posts: The best advice for chronic back pain The Non-Negotiables for better movement How to fix chronically tight hamstrings Tom has a really fun YouTube page and these are some of his most popular videos: Piriformis Pain Struggle to sit crossed legged 10 Minute Follow Along   Want help building durable training? Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down. £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!

    1h 11m

  7. MAR 25

    Your A Race Gets Cancelled. Now What?

    You’ve trained for months. Everything is building nicely. Then suddenly, your A race is cancelled. For many athletes, that moment feels like the rug has been pulled from under them. Motivation drops, structure disappears, and the question becomes… what now? In this episode, Simon and Beth explore the emotional and practical impact of losing a key event. They discuss why races matter, why so many athletes rely on them, and how to respond in a way that keeps your progress moving forward. More importantly, they challenge the idea that your fitness should depend on a single race, and offer a more durable way to think about training for the long term.   5 Key Talking Points Races provide structure, motivation and purpose, especially for recreational athletes. Losing an event can feel destabilising because it removes the external driver for training. Motivation alone is unreliable. Habits and routine are what sustain long-term progress. There are different levels of athlete mindset, from event-driven to identity-driven. A cancelled race does not mean lost fitness. It’s an opportunity to pivot and build further.   3 Takeaways Use races as motivation, but don’t depend on them completely. Build habits that keep you active even when there is no event on the calendar. When plans change, focus on what you can control and redirect your fitness into a new challenge.   Key Quote “You didn’t lose your race… you just gained a level.”     Want help building durable training? Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down. £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!

    39 min

  8. MAR 18

    Durability vs Volume: Why More Training Isn’t Always Better

    Why training more isn’t always the answer Most endurance athletes assume that getting better simply means doing more training. More miles. More hours. More big sessions. But after decades of coaching and competing, Simon argues that the athletes who achieve the best long-term results are rarely the ones doing the most volume. They are the ones who train consistently without breaking down. In this episode Simon and Beth explore the idea of durability versus volume, why chasing big sessions can backfire, and how athletes can build the resilience needed to train consistently for years rather than weeks.   5 Talking Points 1. The volume trap Many endurance athletes believe more training automatically leads to better results. 2. What durability really means Durability is the ability to train consistently without injury, illness or burnout. 3. The foundations of durable training Sleep, strength, mobility, nutrition and sensible training loads allow athletes to absorb training and recover. 4. Why hero sessions backfire Big one-off workouts often look impressive but can disrupt consistency if they leave you exhausted or injured. 5. Consistency beats intensity The athletes who improve the most are usually the ones who train steadily week after week.   3 Takeaways • Consistency beats volume when it comes to long-term endurance performance. • Durable athletes prioritise recovery, strength, sleep and sensible training loads. • Ask yourself before a big session: will this make me more durable or less durable?   Quote from the Episode “Fitness might come from a few big weeks of training. Real performance comes from years of consistent work.”   Stay strong. Stay curious. Stay Battle Ready. Want help building durable training? Inside the SWAT Inner Circle you’ll find structured training plans, strength programmes and regular coaching insights designed to help endurance athletes train consistently without breaking down. £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!

    50 min
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4.5
out of 5
23 Ratings

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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