Purple Patch Podcast

“Presence is effectiveness and effectiveness leads to capacity.” Bad habits simply create bad output and the only way to create capacity and to execute high-quality work is to become an assassin of effectiveness. Empower focus in both work and sport with these specific strategies to arm you for success. Adopting this game plan will open up a pathway to presence and create a positive impact for maximum effectiveness.

Matt talks about child development in sport - the value of sports for children, setting up your kids for long-term performance, and the mindset and approach to being a supporting parent in their journey. The journey of an athlete at any age extends well beyond physical development. It is a gateway of imagination, adventure, and shared journeys. It is a confidence booster and, quite often, a catalyst to problem-solving. Most importantly, though, it is fun. 

The power of a mentor or coach cannot be overstated and to truly maximize the benefits of a professional coach, you, the athlete, must be a major stakeholder to ensure the relationship is fruitful and beneficial to your performance. In this episode, Matt discusses the importance of finding the right coach for you and the positive longterm effects a good coach can have on your performance journey.

Purple Patch views the post-season as perhaps THE most important block of training which includes preparation for the heavy lifting ahead, technical and skills development, and critical ‘building block’ work of good habits that pave the way for greater yields from the training that will come later.  Consider it as the first part of your annual performance journey, and the absolute bedrock and foundation of your construction project as an athlete. 

In work, sport and life, it is impossible to optimize performance if you never get off the hamster wheel. Quite simply - to grow requires rest. Matt talks about the dangers and pitfalls of an "all in" or "all out" attitude. He also stresses the benefits that a short break can have on post-season training and what to expect during this phase.

We revisit an insightful conversation from January with three Purple Patch Pros who are competing in this Saturday’s IRONMAN World Championships - Laura Siddall, Kevin Collington, and Sarah Piampiano. They talk about goal setting, managing fears, mindset, key lessons, and finding world-class performance every time they toe the line at a race - especially at this weekend's IRONMAN World Championships.

Get a glimpse of the IRONMAN World Championship race course from the unique perspective of an elite coach. Hear what makes this race so special, why it's so challenging, common mistakes athletes make leading up to the race, tips for race-day success, and perspective for those heading to the Big Island for the first time.

Matt answers listener questions related to approaching your first-time 70.3 distance, peeing on the bike, philosophies behind the long run, maintaining fitness after a breakthrough performance, and planning a season of performance.

Matt and Gerry dissect the recent IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship race and discuss the natural evolution and progression of these athletes, along with the characteristics that have made them top performers. They wrap up by talking about characteristics of great athletes and the future of the sport.

Gerry and Matt reminisce about the days when Gerry coached Matt in swimming and some of the epic sets they did together. They switch gears to discuss performance from a coaching lens including career development, leadership, coach hopping, and what it means to be a great coach.

At just 34 years of age, Anna Hertel will likely never compete at another IRONMAN.  Five years ago, that concept would’ve been devastating and unimaginable because, like a lot of people, triathlon was her identity. Anna’s story is one of growth; growth as a human even in the midst of overwhelming adversity, which has come hard and fast in all facets of her life.

Cramping is a frustrating part of an endurance athlete's life amplified by the fact that there is seldom a quick diagnosis of cause, nor an easy solution for most. Hear about the causes and types of cramps, several contributing factors that may lead to cramps, how to mitigate the risk of getting cramps and, of course, steps to take if it happens during an event.

“The best success you can have in any race is knowing that you remained open to performance and that when you crossed the line you took all the steps in your control and ability to maximize your performance.”

Maintaining a growth mindset is everything - at any age. Recorded at the recent Purple Patch Training Camp in South Carolina, Matt converses with two Purple Patch Masters athletes, Rick Wimmer and Ken Pagliughi, about their recipes for success and longevity in sport and life. This conversation is packed full of humor, personal anecdotes, inspiration, and education for all athletes. You, too, can develop a path to longevity and excellence at any age as long as you aren't afraid to grow and evolve.

Matt goes into the weeds with his first official "Athlete Q&A" episode dedicated solely to recent questions from real athletes. He covers off on topics such as maintaining strength, navigating travel with training, what to do when you get bloated in racing, what bike to use in training, and what wheelset is best for you.