20 Hard Lessons Every Triathlete Learns | Beyond Fear Podcast

Triathlon training tips for busy athletes: recovery, fueling, pacing, and the biggest mistakes to avoid.

Not the shiny Instagram version of triathlon — this episode is about the real lessons I’ve learned through juggling training, family, work, and life.

I’m sharing 20 short, powerful takeaways I wish I’d known sooner. From fueling mistakes and recovery breakthroughs, to pacing strategies and training smarter with less time, these are the honest truths that make the biggest difference — especially for busy athletes.

Whether you’re chasing a new PB or just trying to stay consistent without burning out, you’ll find practical tips you can apply straight away.

Key Moments
00:29 – Why fueling slips first when life gets busy
01:59 – Recovery: where the real gains happen
03:30 – Why doing less can sometimes mean more progress
04:52 – The underrated power of steady Zone 2 training
06:31 – Why chasing FTP isn’t the same as racing well
07:16 – Bike pacing: holding back to run strong
07:41 – Swimming breakthrough: the 15° head angle shift
08:45 – Transitions as a skill, not an afterthought
09:26 – Brick sessions that actually work
10:15 – Triathlon as one continuous sport, not three separate ones
11:21 – Using data without obsessing over it
12:37 – Training for your life, not like a pro’s
13:37 – Why effect per session matters more than hours per week
14:40 – The biggest mistake I made in my first triathlon season
15:25 – Handling bad training days without guilt
16:22 – What to do when your “easy pace” doesn’t feel easy
17:32 – How to get faster without adding more miles
18:40 – Final takeaways: consistency, curiosity, and kindness to yourself

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